Interviewing and Communication in Social Work

Interviewing and communication are central to the work of the social worker, the psychotherapist, and to that of many other specialists, yet little attempt has been made to explore their interrelationship and complexity. First published in 1974, Interviewing and Communication in Social Work discusses the interplay between the two with special reference to social work. Dr Cross draws upon his wealth of experience in the fields of psychology, sociology, and social work in organizing and presenting this volume. The book emphasizes the important role which communication plays in the interviewing process especially, but not only, in social work and shows that there are important sociological and psychological factors involved in that process which require far more attention than they have received in the past. The first five chapters deal with these essentially theoretical issues; the rest of the book is concerned with their practical application in social work. This book should demonstrate to the social work student, as well as to their more experienced colleague, that interviewing and communication together provide the overall framework within which casework can be undertaken. Such a demonstration should also be of real value to students of sociology, personnel management, and vocational guidance. It should also appeal to the general reader with an interest in the interviewing process in modern society.

1. Interviewing and communication 2. The social context of the interview 3. Cultural factors in interviewing 4. Communication, linguistics and the interview 5. Non-verbal aspects of the interview 6. On interviewing technique 7. Traditions of interviewing: practical considerations 8. Interviewing in special situations 9. Role play: a training technique 10. Summary and conclusions