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From DBT Skills Training Handouts and Worksheets, Second Edition  by Marsha M. Linehan. Copyright 2015 by Marsha M. Linehan. Permis -
sion to photocopy this worksheet is granted to purchasers of this book for personal use only (see copyright page for details). Purchasers may 
download a larger version of this worksheet from www.guilford.com/dbt-  
worksheets .interpersonal effectiveness WorksHeet 1   (I. E. Handout 1)
pros and c ons of u sing interpersonal 
effectiveness Skills
Due Date:       Name:                   Week Starting:  
Use this sheet to figure out the advantages and disadvantages to you of using interpersonal effec -
tiveness skills (i.e., acting skillfully) to get what you want. The idea here is to figure out what is the 
most effective way for you to get what you want. Remember, this is about your goals, not someone else’s goals.
Describe the interpersonal situation:
  
Describe your goal in this situation:
  
Make a list of the pros and cons of acting skillfully by using interpersonal effectiveness skills.
Make another list of the pros and cons for using power tactics to get what you want.
Make a third list of pros and cons for giving in or acting passively in the situation.
Check the facts to be sure that you are correct in your assessment of advantages and 
disadvantages.
Write on the back of this sheet if you need more room.
pro SUsing Skills
          
                    Demanding, Attacking, Stonewalling
                 
                  
                 Giving In, Acting Passively
                                    con SUsing Skills
                              Demanding, Attacking, Stonewalling
                 
                  
                 Giving In, Acting Passively
                                    
What did you decide to do in this situation?