Interpersonal Sensitivity and Social Problem-Solving: Relations with Academic and Social Self-Esteem, Depressive Symptoms, and Academic Performance

This study investigated the relation betweeninterpersonal sensitivity and social problem-solving aspredictors of three outcomes in a college population (N= 207): self-esteem, depressive symptoms, and academic performance. Consistent with predictions,interpersonal sensitivity was related to problem-solving-- in particular, negative problem orientation. Bothinterpersonal sensitivity and social problem-solving were significant predictors of self-esteem anddepressive symptoms, each accounting for uniquevariance. Interpersonal sensitivity was a significantpredictor of academic performance, for both males and females. However, in females, social problemsolving was not related to academic performance. Inmales, negative problem orientation and dysfunctionalproblem-solving styles were important aspects of problem solving related to academic performance. Theresults are discussed in terms of the identification of“at risk” college students.