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What Kind of Problem Solver are You?


Problem-solving is a popular modality of psychotherapy and also conceptualized as a brief skills-oriented training program. A problem is a real or perceived imbalance or discrepancy between the demands of a situation and one’s coping ability and reactions (Nezu et al., 1989). Problem-solving skills are not personality traits but social skills that can be learned. Successful problem-solving involves not only having the right kind of orientation but also the adaptive kind of style (Nezu, et al., (2013).

Problem-Solving Orientation

Problem-solving orientation is an individual’s beliefs, attitudes, and emotional reactions about problems and one’s ability cope with these problems. Research has shown that there are two types of problem-solving orientation – positive and negative.

1. Positive problem-solving orientation
  • View a problem as a challenge rather than a threat
  • Be realistically optimistic in believing that problems are solvable
  • Have the self-confidence in one’s ability to cope with problems
  • Understand that successful problem-solving requires time and effort
  • Commit oneself to tacking problems
  • View negative emotions as an integral part of the problem-solving process, especially when addressing stressful problems
2. Negative problem-solving orientation
  • View problems as major threats to one’s well-being
  • View problems as unsolvable
  • Doubt one’s ability to cope with problems
  • Become frustrated, upset, and overwhelmed when confronted with negative emotions while dealing with a problem
A caveat here is that these problem orientation types are not mutually exclusive but only represent a general tendency to view problems from a particular perspective. For instance, an individual may have positive problem orientation for an achievement-related problem at work and a negative problem orientation while dealing with relationship difficulties.

Problem-Solving Styles

People often react to problems with differing styles and research has identified three such styles.

1. Rational or planful problem-solving style: This style is the constructive approach to problem-solving that involves systematic and thoughtful application of the following skills:
  • Clarifying the nature of a problem
  • Setting realistic problem-solving goal or goals and identifying obstacles
  • Generating possible solutions
  • Comparing the pros and cons of these solutions
  • Implementing the solution and evaluating the consequences of the plan
2. Impulsive problem-solving style: This style involves:
  • Going for the “quick fix”
  • Considering only a few solution alternatives, often impulsively going with the first idea that comes to mind
  • Seeing the problem through narrow, “tunnel vision”
  • Monitoring solution outcomes quickly, incompletely, and unsystematically
3. Avoidant problem-solving style: This involves putting off the problems rather than confronting them head on by engaging in one of the following behaviors:
  • Procrastinating
  • Being passive
  • Denying the existence of problems
  • Relying on others to fix the problems
While rational problem-solving is adaptive, the other two styles are dysfunctional and may lead to worsening of the existing problems or create new ones.

Think about a recent problem that you encountered and ask yourself if you generally see problems with a positive or a negative orientation? Now go back to the same problem and think which one of the three problem-solving styles – rational, impulsive, and avoidant – best describes you. Knowing your strengths and limitations as a problem solver helps you change your problem-solving orientation and style to a more adaptive one. If you realize that certain types of situations trigger more negative problem orientation, then being self-aware that this may be you default pattern in these situations helps you become a better problem solver.

To learn more about evidence-based self-management techniques that promote mental health and well-being, check out Dr. Duggal's Author Page.

HARPREET S. DUGGAL, MD, FAPA

REFERENCES

Nezu, A. M., Nezu, C. M., & Perri, M. G. (1989). Problem-solving therapy for depression: Theory, research, and clinical guidelines. New York, NY: John Wiley & Sons.

Nezu, A. M., Nezu, C. M., & D’Zurilla, T. J. (2013). Problem-solving therapy: A treatment manual. New York, NY: Springer Publishing Company.















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