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What Kind of Problem Solver are You?


Problem-solving is a popular modality of psychotherapy and is 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 the right kind of orientation but also an adaptive style (Nezu et al., 2013).

Problem-Solving Orientation

Problem-solving orientation refers to an individual’s beliefs, attitudes, and emotional reactions to problems, as well as one’s ability to cope with them. 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 tackling 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; they represent only a general tendency to view problems from a particular perspective. For instance, an individual may have a positive problem orientation toward an achievement-related problem at work and a negative problem orientation toward relationship difficulties.

Problem-Solving Styles

People often respond to problems in different ways, 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 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 worsen 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 shift your problem-solving orientation and style toward a more adaptive approach. If you realize that certain situations trigger a more negative problem orientation, being self-aware that this may be your default pattern in those 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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