Social problem solving

Social problem solving

Social problem solving

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In this chapter we describe the social problem-solving model that has generated most of the research and training programs presented in the remaining chapters of this volume. We also describe the major assessment methods and instruments that have been used to measure social problem- solving ability and performance in research as well as clinical practice.

The term social problem solving refers to the process of problem solving as it occurs in the natural environment or “real world” (D’Zurilla & Nezu, 1982). The adjective social is not meant to limit the study of problem solving to any particular type of problem. I t is used in this context only to highlight the fact that we are interested in problem solving that influences one’s adap- tive functioning in the real-life social environment. Hence, the study of social problem solving deals with all types of problems that might affect a person’s functioning, including impersonal problems (e.g., insufficient finances, stolen property), personal or intrapersonal problems (emotional, behavioral, cognie tive, or health problems), interpersonal problems (e.g., marital conflicts, family disputes), as well as broader community and societal problems (e.g., crime, racial discrimination). The model of social problem solving presented in this chapter was originally introduced by D’Zurilla and Goldfried (1971)

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and later expanded and revised by D’Zurilla, Nezu, and Maydeu-Olivares (2002; D’Zurilla, 1986; D’Zurilla & Nezu, 1982, 1990, 1999; Maydeu- Olivares & D’Zurilla, 1995, 1996; Nezu & D’Zurilla, 1989).’

MAJOR CONCEPTS

The three major concepts in the D’Zurilla et al. model are (a) problem solving, (b) problem, and (c) solution. It is also important for theory, research, and practice to distinguish between the concepts of problem solving and solution implementation. The definitions presented are based on concepts previously discussed by Davis (1966), D’Zurilla and Goldfried (1971), D’Zurilla and Nezu (1982, 1999), and Skinner (1953).

Problem Solving

As it occurs in the natural environment, problem solving is defined as the self-directed cognitive-behavioral process by which an individual, couple, or group attempts to identify or discover effective solutions for specific problem encountered in everyday living. More specifically, this cognitive-behavioral process (a) makes available a variety of potentially effective solutions for a particular problem and (b) increases the probability of selecting the most effective solution from among the various alternatives (D’Zurilla & Goldfried, 1971). As this definition implies, social problem solving is con- ceived as a conscious, rational, effortful, and purposeful activity. Depending on the problem-solving goals, this process may be aimed at changing the problematic situation for the better, reducing the emotional distress that it produces, or both.

Problem

A problem (or problematic situation) is defined as any life situation or task (present or anticipated) that demands a response for adaptive function- ing but no effective response is immediately apparent or available to the person or people confronted with the situation because of the presence of one or more obstacles. The demands in a problematic situation may originate in the environment (e.g., objective task demands) or within the person

Several variations and modifications of this social problem-solving model have appeared in the clinical, counseling, educational, and health psychology literature (see Black & Frauenknecht, 1990; Crick & Dodge, 1994; Elias & Clabby, 1992; Frauenknecht & Black, 2003; Spivack et al., 1976; Tisdelle & St. Lawrence, 1986). In addition, similar models and perspectives have also been described in the literature on geropsychology and organizational psychology (see Poon, Rubin, & Wilson, 1989; Sinnott, 1989; Stemberg & Wagner, 1986).

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(e.g., a personal goal, need, or commitment). The obstacles might include novelty, ambiguity, unpredictability, conflicting stimulus demands, perfor- mance skill deficits, or lack of resources. A particular problem might be a single time-limited event (e.g., missing a train to work, an acute illness), a series of similar or related events (e.g., repeated unreasonable demands from a boss, repeated violations of curfew by an adolescent), or a chronic, ongoing situation (e.g., continuous pain, boredom, or feelings of loneliness).

An interpersonal problem is a special kind of real-life problem in which the obstacle is a conflict in the behavioral demands or expectations of two or more people in a relationship (Jacobson &a Margolin, 1979). In this context, interpersonal problem solving may be described as a cognitive- interpersonal process aimed at identifying or discovering a resolution to the conflict that is acceptable or satisfactory to all parties involved. Hence, according to this view, interpersonal problem solving is a “win-win” ap- proach to resolving conflicts or disputes rather than a “win-lose” approach.

Solution

A solution is a situation-specific coping response or response pattern (cognitive or behavioral) that is the product or outcome of the problem- solving process when it is applied to a specific problematic situation.