Social problem-solving

Short description: Cognitive-behavioral process of adapting to everyday problems

Social problem-solving, in its most basic form, is defined as problem solving as it occurs in the natural environment.[1] More specifically, it refers to the cognitive-behavioral process in which one works to find adaptive ways of coping with everyday situations that are considered problematic. This process is self-directed, conscious, effortful, cogent, and focused.[2] Adaptive social problem-solving skills are known to be effective coping skills in an array of stressful situations. Social problem-solving consists of two major processes.[1] One of these processes is known as problem orientation. Problem orientation is defined as the schemas one holds about problems in everyday life and ones assessment of their ability to solve said problems.[1][3]

The problem orientation may be positive and constructive to the problem solving process or negative and, therefore, dysfunctional in the process. Problem-solving proper is known as the second major process in social problem-solving. This process refers to the skills and techniques one uses to search for solutions and apply these skills to find the best solutions available. This model has been expanded by McFall[4] and Liberman and colleagues.[5] In these variations social problem-solving is considered to be a multi-step process including the adoption of a general orientation, defining the problem, brainstorming for solutions, decision making, and follow up stages.[6]

## Contents

* 1 Process
* 2 Benefits and deficits
* 3 Therapy and intervention
* 4 References

## Process

Based on the above model, it is hypothesized that a positive problem orientation leads to rational problem-solving skills.[7] A rational problem-solving style is defined as a sensible, thoughtful, and methodical application of effective problem-solving skills.[7][8] This, in turn, is most likely to result in positive outcomes and an exit from the problem solving process for this particular instance.[7] When a negative outcome occurs, a person with rational problem solving skills is more likely to begin the cycle of problem-solving again. This time with the intent of finding a more appropriate solution or to redefine the problem. On the other hand, a negative problem solving orientation is likely to lead towards impulsive-careless or avoidant problem-solving styles. An impulsive-careless style is defined as narrowed, rash, thoughtless, speedy, and incomplete attempts at problem solving.[7][8] An avoidance style to problem-solving is characterized by inaction, procrastination, and attempts to shift responsibility to others. Both of these styles are hypothesized to lead towards negative outcomes more often in the Social Problem-Solving Process.[7] When negative outcomes occur, a person with an impulsive-careless or avoidant skill set is more likely to give up.

## Benefits and deficits

Social problem-solving involves various abilities and skills which lead to adaptive outcomes for several different populations.[9] In general, effective problem-solving skills can have several benefits.[3] These skills can increase situational coping and reduce emotional distress. Research has shown that one's problem orientation is specifically related to levels of psychological stress and adjustment.[3][9] Of course, the opposite generally leads to negative outcomes. A lack of social problem-solving skills and a negative problem orientation can lead to depression and suicidality in children and adults,[2][10][11] self-injurious behaviors,[12] and increased worrying.[13] Negative problem orientation and impulsive-careless problem solving styles have been commonly displayed by persons with personality disorders.[14] Inpatients with Schizophrenia have also been observed to have deficits in social problem-solving skills.[6]

## Therapy and intervention

Social problem-solving theory and processes have been used in intervention and therapeutic processes.[15] In fact, a supportive problem-solving approach to therapy has been shown to be very effective in the reduction of depression symptoms.[15][16] Children with autism and young neuro-typical children have been shown to increase their social problem-solving skills through a computer interface.[17] Social problem-solving therapy has also been integrated into intervention packages for law offenders with personality disorders.[18] Participants were shown to improve in most areas of measured social problem-solving skills.

## References

1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 D'Zurilla, T.J. (1986). Problem-Solving therapy: A social competence approach to clinical intervention. New York: Srpinger.
2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 D'Zurilla, T.J.; Change, E.C.; Nottingham, E.J.; Faccini, L. (1998). "Social problem-solving deficits and hopelessness, depression, and suicidal risk in college students and psychiatric inpatients". Journal of Clinical Psychology 54 (8): 1091–1107. doi:10.1002/(sici)1097-4679(199812)54:8<1091::aid-jclp9>3.0.co;2-j. PMID 9840781.
3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 D'Zurilla, T.J.; Nezu, A.M. (1990). "Development and preliminary evaluation of the Social Problem-Solving Inventory". Psychological Assessment 2 (2): 156–163. doi:10.1037/1040-3590.2.2.156.
4. ↑ McFall, R.M. (1982). "A review and reformulation of the concept of social sills". Behavioral Assessment 4: 1–33.
5. ↑ Liberman, R.P.; Mueser, K.T.; Wallace, C.J.; Jacobs, H.E.; Eckman, T.; Massel, H.K. (1986). "Training skills in the psychiatrically disabled: Learning coping and competence". Schizophrenia Bulletin 12 (4): 631–647. doi:10.1093/schbul/12.4.631. PMID 3810067.
6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 Bellack, A.S.; Sayers, M.; Mueser, K.T.; Bennett, M. (1994). "Evaluation of social problem solving in schizophrenia". Journal of Abnormal Psychology 103 (2): 371–378. doi:10.1037/0021-843x.103.2.371. PMID 8040506.
7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 7.3 7.4 Chang, E.C., D'Zurilla, T.J., Sanna, I.J. (2004). Social Problem-Solving: Theory, Research, and Training. Washington D.C.: American Psychological Association.
8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 Maydeu-Olivares, A; D'Zurilla, T.J. (1996). "A factor-analytic study of the Social Problem Solving Inventory: An integration of theory and data". Cognitive Therapy and Research 20 (2): 115–133. doi:10.1007/bf02228030.
9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 D'Zurilla, T.J.; Sheedy, C.F. (1991). "Relation between social problem-solving ability and subsequent level of psychological stress in college students". Journal of Personality and Social Psychology 61 (5): 841–846. doi:10.1037/0022-3514.61.5.841. PMID 1753336.
10. ↑ Becker-Weidman, E.G.; Jacobs, R.H.; Reinecke, M.A.; Silva, S.G.; March, J.S. (2010). "Social problem-solving among adolescents treated for depression". Behaviour Research and Therapy 48 (1): 11–18. doi:10.1016/j.brat.2009.08.006. PMID 19775677.
11. ↑ Sadowski, C; Kelley, M.L (1993). "Social Problem Solving in Suicidal Adolescents". Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology 61 (1): 123–127. doi:10.1037/0022-006x.61.1.121. PMID 8450097.
12. ↑ Nock, M.K.; Mendes, W.B. (2008). "Physiological arousal, distress tolerance, and social problem-solving deficits amon adolescent self-injurers". Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology 76 (1): 28–38. doi:10.1037/0022-006x.76.1.28. PMID 18229980.
13. ↑ Belzer, K.D.; D'Zurilla, T.J.; Maydeu-Olivares, A. (2001). "Social problem solving and trait anxiety as predictors of worry in a college student population". Personality and Individual Differences 33 (4): 573–585. doi:10.1016/s0191-8869(01)00173-8.
14. ↑ McMurran, M; Dugga, C.; Christopher, G.; Huband, N. (2007). "The relationships between personality disorders and social problem solving in adults". Personality and Individual Differences 42: 273–285. doi:10.1016/j.paid.2006.07.002.
15. ↑ 15.0 15.1 Nezu, A.M. (1986). "Efficacy of a social problem-solving therapy approach for unipolar depression". Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology 54 (2): 196–202. doi:10.1037/0022-006x.54.2.196. PMID 3700806.
16. ↑ Nezu, A.M.; Perri, M.G. (1989). "Social problem-solving therapy for unipolar depression: An initial dismantling investigation". Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology 57 (3): 408–413. doi:10.1037/0022-006x.57.3.408. PMID 2738213.
17. ↑ Bernard-Opitz, V; Sriram, n; Nakhoda-Sapaun, S. (2001). "Enhancing social problem solving in children with autism and normal children through computer-assisted instruction". Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders 31 (4): 377–384. doi:10.1023/A:1010660502130. PMID 11569584.
18. ↑ McMurran, M; Fyffe, McCarthy; Duggan, Latham (2001). "Stop & Think: Social problem-solving therapy with personality-disordered offenders". Criminal Behaviour and Mental Health 11 (4): 273–285. doi:10.1002/cbm.401.

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