Seeing Double

Reviews the book, Social Intelligence: The New Science of Human Relationships by Daniel Goleman (see record 2006-13172-000). According to the reviewers, to the extent to which crafting a book that is accessible to a wide audience is the desired goal, this work succeeds. Goleman opens this book with a vivid anecdote about how successfully managing relationships can have a dramatic impact on both ourselves and those around us. The author is quick to point out that the “news” of this book concerns the groundbreaking discoveries being made in the field of neuroscience. More specifically, these discoveries are adding to our knowledge about the biological bases of interpersonal relations. In this regard, the author does spend considerable time and attention discussing the potential role of the amygdala, mirror neurons, and spindle neurons and how these structures influence social interactions. It is in this effort–relating how varied neurological processes work to facilitate or undermine the establishment of nonverbal communication between people–that Goleman comes closest to introducing us to “the new science of human relationships.” In this book readers will be presented with a variety of interesting and provocative anecdotes used to illustrate a set of relatively well-known ideas regarding interpersonal relationships and some broader social issues. Chapters cover topics such as the need for attention, love, and empathy in close relationships. Topics such as the negative consequences of stress on health and the positive aspects of supportive relationships among doctors, families, and patients are presented as well. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2007 APA, all rights reserved)