{{Short description|Cognitive-behavioral process of adapting to everyday problems}} {{essay-like|date=December 2013}}
'''Social problem-solving''', in its most basic form, is defined as problem solving as it occurs in the natural environment.<ref name="D'Zurilla, 1986">{{cite book|last=D'Zurilla|first=T.J.|title=Problem-Solving therapy: A social competence approach to clinical intervention|year=1986|publisher=Srpinger|location=New York}}</ref> 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.<ref name="D'Zurilla 1998 1091–1107">{{cite journal|last=D'Zurilla|first=T.J.|author2=Change, E.C. |author3=Nottingham, E.J. |author4=Faccini, L. |title=Social problem-solving deficits and hopelessness, depression, and suicidal risk in college students and psychiatric inpatients|journal=Journal of Clinical Psychology|year=1998|volume=54|issue=8|pages=1091–1107|doi=10.1002/(sici)1097-4679(199812)54:8<1091::aid-jclp9>3.0.co;2-j|pmid=9840781 |doi-access=free}}</ref> 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.<ref name="D'Zurilla, 1986"/> 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.<ref name="D'Zurilla, 1986"/><ref name="D'Zurilla & Nezu, 1990">{{cite journal|last=D'Zurilla|first=T.J.|author2=Nezu, A.M. |title=Development and preliminary evaluation of the Social Problem-Solving Inventory|journal= Psychological Assessment|year=1990|volume=2|issue=2|pages=156–163|doi=10.1037/1040-3590.2.2.156}}</ref>
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<ref name="McFall, 1982">{{cite journal|last=McFall|first=R.M.|title=A review and reformulation of the concept of social sills|journal=Behavioral Assessment|year=1982|volume=4|pages=1–33}}</ref> and Liberman and colleagues.<ref name="Liberman, et al, 1986">{{cite journal|last=Liberman|first=R.P.|author2=Mueser, K.T. |author3=Wallace, C.J. |author4=Jacobs, H.E. |author5=Eckman, T. |author6=Massel, H.K. |title=Training skills in the psychiatrically disabled: Learning coping and competence|journal=Schizophrenia Bulletin|year=1986|volume=12|issue=4|pages=631–647|doi=10.1093/schbul/12.4.631|pmid=3810067|doi-access=free}}</ref> 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.<ref name="Bellack, et al, 1994">{{cite journal|last=Bellack|first=A.S. |author2=Sayers, M. |author3=Mueser, K.T. |author4=Bennett, M.|title=Evaluation of social problem solving in schizophrenia|journal=Journal of Abnormal Psychology|year=1994|volume=103|issue=2|doi=10.1037/0021-843x.103.2.371|pages=371–378|pmid=8040506 }}</ref>
== Process == Based on the above model, it is hypothesized that a positive problem orientation leads to rational problem-solving skills.<ref name="D'Zurilla, Nezu, & Maydeu-Olivares, 2004">{{cite book|last=Chang, E.C., D'Zurilla, T.J., Sanna, I.J.|title=Social Problem-Solving: Theory, Research, and Training|year=2004|publisher=American Psychological Association|location=Washington D.C.}}</ref> A rational problem-solving style is defined as a sensible, thoughtful, and methodical application of effective problem-solving skills.<ref name="D'Zurilla, Nezu, & Maydeu-Olivares, 2004"/><ref name="Maydeu-Olivares & D'Zurilla, 1996">{{cite journal|last=Maydeu-Olivares|first=A|author2=D'Zurilla, T.J.|title=A factor-analytic study of the Social Problem Solving Inventory: An integration of theory and data|journal=Cognitive Therapy and Research|year=1996|volume=20|issue=2|pages=115–133|doi=10.1007/bf02228030|s2cid=22720185}}</ref> This, in turn, is most likely to result in positive outcomes and an exit from the problem solving process for this particular instance.<ref name="D'Zurilla, Nezu, & Maydeu-Olivares, 2004"/> 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.<ref name="D'Zurilla, Nezu, & Maydeu-Olivares, 2004"/><ref name="Maydeu-Olivares & D'Zurilla, 1996"/> 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.<ref name="D'Zurilla, Nezu, & Maydeu-Olivares, 2004"/> 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.<ref name="D'Zurilla & Sheedy, 1991">{{cite journal|last=D'Zurilla|first=T.J.|author2=Sheedy, C.F. |title=Relation between social problem-solving ability and subsequent level of psychological stress in college students|journal=Journal of Personality and Social Psychology|year=1991|volume=61|issue=5|doi=10.1037/0022-3514.61.5.841|pages=841–846|pmid=1753336 }}</ref> In general, effective problem-solving skills can have several benefits.<ref name="D'Zurilla & Nezu, 1990"/> 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.<ref name="D'Zurilla & Nezu, 1990"/><ref name="D'Zurilla & Sheedy, 1991"/> 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,<ref name="D'Zurilla 1998 1091–1107"/><ref name="Becker-Weidman, et al, 2010">{{cite journal|last=Becker-Weidman|first=E.G.|author2=Jacobs, R.H. |author3=Reinecke, M.A. |author4=Silva, S.G. |author5=March, J.S. |title=Social problem-solving among adolescents treated for depression|journal=Behaviour Research and Therapy|year=2010|volume=48|issue=1|pages=11–18|doi=10.1016/j.brat.2009.08.006|pmid=19775677|pmc=2812620}}</ref><ref name="Sadowski & Kelley, 1993">{{cite journal|last=Sadowski|first=C|author2=Kelley, M.L |title=Social Problem Solving in Suicidal Adolescents|journal=Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology|year=1993|volume=61|issue=1|pages=123–127|doi=10.1037/0022-006x.61.1.121|pmid=8450097}}</ref> self-injurious behaviors,<ref name="Nock & Mendes, 2008">{{cite journal|last=Nock|first=M.K.|author2=Mendes, W.B. |title=Physiological arousal, distress tolerance, and social problem-solving deficits amon adolescent self-injurers|journal=Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology|year=2008|volume=76|issue=1|doi=10.1037/0022-006x.76.1.28|pages=28–38|pmid=18229980|citeseerx=10.1.1.506.4280}}</ref> and increased worrying.<ref name="Belzer, D'Zurilla, & Maydeu-Olivares, 2001">{{cite journal|last=Belzer|first=K.D.|author2=D'Zurilla, T.J. |author3=Maydeu-Olivares, A. |title=Social problem solving and trait anxiety as predictors of worry in a college student population|journal=Personality and Individual Differences|year=2001|volume=33|issue=4|pages=573–585|doi=10.1016/s0191-8869(01)00173-8}}</ref> Negative problem orientation and impulsive-careless problem solving styles have been commonly displayed by persons with personality disorders.<ref name="McMurran, et al, 2007">{{cite journal|last=McMurran|first=M|author2=Dugga, C. |author3=Christopher, G. |author4=Huband, N. |title=The relationships between personality disorders and social problem solving in adults|journal=Personality and Individual Differences|year=2007|volume=42|pages=273–285|doi=10.1016/j.paid.2006.07.002}}</ref> Inpatients with Schizophrenia have also been observed to have deficits in social problem-solving skills.<ref name="Bellack, et al, 1994" />
== Therapy and intervention == Social problem-solving theory and processes have been used in intervention and therapeutic processes.<ref name="Nezu, 1986">{{cite journal|last=Nezu|first=A.M.|title=Efficacy of a social problem-solving therapy approach for unipolar depression|journal=Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology|year=1986|volume=54|issue=2|doi=10.1037/0022-006x.54.2.196|pmid=3700806|pages=196–202}}</ref> In fact, a supportive problem-solving approach to therapy has been shown to be very effective in the reduction of depression symptoms.<ref name="Nezu, 1986" /><ref name="Nezu & Perri, 1989">{{cite journal|last=Nezu|first=A.M.|author2=Perri, M.G. |title=Social problem-solving therapy for unipolar depression: An initial dismantling investigation|journal=Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology|year=1989|volume=57|issue=3|doi=10.1037/0022-006x.57.3.408|pages=408–413|pmid=2738213 |s2cid=2601627 }}</ref> Children with autism and young neuro-typical children have been shown to increase their social problem-solving skills through a computer interface.<ref name="Bernard-Opitz, Sriram, & Nakhoda-Sapaun, 2001">{{cite journal|last=Bernard-Opitz|first=V |author2=Sriram, n |author3=Nakhoda-Sapaun, S.|title=Enhancing social problem solving in children with autism and normal children through computer-assisted instruction|journal=Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders|year=2001|volume=31|issue=4|pages=377–384|doi=10.1023/A:1010660502130|pmid=11569584 |s2cid=25000167 }}</ref> Social problem-solving therapy has also been integrated into intervention packages for law offenders with personality disorders.<ref name="McMurran, et al, 2001">{{cite journal|last=McMurran|first=M |author2=Fyffe, McCarthy |author3=Duggan, Latham|title=Stop & Think: Social problem-solving therapy with personality-disordered offenders|journal=Criminal Behaviour and Mental Health|year=2001|volume=11|issue=4|pages=273–285|doi=10.1002/cbm.401}}</ref> Participants were shown to improve in most areas of measured social problem-solving skills.
==References== {{Reflist|2}}
Category:Crowdsourcing Category:Collaboration Category:Social information processing Category:Human-based computation Category:Problem solving