People's behaviour can be rewarding to others through what they say or do: it may be no more than an appreciative smile, a sympathetic touch or a word of praise, but the impact can be highly significant. This book, first published in 1993, explores these social rewards and their relevance to the practice of people in the interpersonal professions.

While much of its content is relevant to everyday life, the focus is on ways in which an understanding of the working of social rewards can benefit such groups as teachers, doctors, social workers, counsellors, nurses and managers in...