Personal problem solving: what attitudes are involved?

These are the attitudinal variables that influence problem solving.

The connotation that is naturally and predominantly given to the concept of "problem" usually has an adverse connotation.

And it is precisely this fact that very significantly interferes negatively in the probability of adopting an effective form of coping when a vital situation arises that requires a specific type of management and effort to overcome it.

Thus, before thinking about how to deal with a problem, it is worth analyzing in detail the attitude that the person presents when faced with the existence of these problems. before the existence of these same ones, as well as also the capacity of confrontation that possesses before such a circumstance.

D'Zurilla and Golfried's Problem Solving model.

D'Zurilla and Goldfried are the authors who in the 1970s proposed the first Problem Solving model (1971), which has been used extensively in the area of cognitive-behavioral psychological intervention in social, interpersonal and clinical settings. (1971), which has been widely used in the area of cognitive-behavioral psychological intervention in social, interpersonal and clinical settings.

Specifically, the Problem Solving technique consists of the application of a set of non-linear phases that rationally and realistically guide the individual's decision-making process and that mainly affects the cognitive element within the individual's triple response system: cognitive (thoughts and beliefs), autonomic (physiological and organic effects) and motor (behavioral action).

This procedure allows to enhance the generation of a greater variety of solution alternatives through a scientific methodology and thus, to be able to through a scientific methodology and thus, also to be able to choose the best option among all of them.

As initially noted, it seems that thehere are two distinct factors in dealing with a problem in an effective way.One is related to the attitude of the person and the other to the systematic application of the steps described in the phases of the theoretical model. Thus, as indicated by D'Zurilla, Nezu and Maydeu-Olivares (1996), the results obtained with the technique require that both factors be worked in combination, since considering one without the other can lead to ineffective results.

The first attitudinal aspect is developed in the application of the first of the five phases of the modelThe first attitudinal aspect is developed in the application of the first of the five phases of the model: problem orientation. Subsequently, the following four phases refer to the application of the scientific model itself: formulation and definition of the problem, generation of alternatives, evaluation of alternatives and decision making, and finally, implementation of the decision made and verification of the results.

Types of personal coping

The contribution of Bados (2014) in this area of knowledge suggests that there are. two types of personal coping: one called experiential and the other rational.. The former is an automatic type of action based on emotional and intuitive content, while the latter operates in the opposite way: it is conscious, analytical, requires effort and is based on more objective arguments.

The author points out as relevant what is highlighted by D'Zurilla and Maydeu-Olivares (1995) on the fact that the rational system is not intended to replace the experiential system but to regulate it, preventing the individual from making automated and impulsive decisions based on the latter.The author points out that the rational system is not intended to replace the experiential system, but to regulate it, preventing the individual from making automated and impulsive decisions on the basis of the latter.

More frequently, people tend to opt for an experiential coping style because of the time and energy savings due to the savings in time and energy it entails, although this sometimes leads to an insufficient assessment of the problematic situation and how to proceed in order to cope with it efficiently. Moreover, it is based on a subjective and motivational component that can lead to the development of an attitude of avoidance or flight when it comes to actively coping with problems.

For this reason, the second option may be more costly, the second option may be more costly but safer in the medium or long term for the individual.especially when it comes to more transcendental and relevant decisions.

Attitudinal factors in the Problem Orientation phase.

As mentioned above, the following are five elements to consider in the attitude of orientation to the problem presented by the person and which will determine the type of coping exercised in the face of the problem.

1. Perception of the problem

One of the main elements to analyze is whether the person tends to recognize or to minimize or deny the existence of a problem..

Although at first this last option has rather pleasant consequences because it generates a certain relief a priori, in the medium and long term it usually leads to significant discomfort, since the problem continues to exist and may be worsening.

Another aspect that also influences the perception of the problem is linked to the following mistakenly confusing the discomfort generated by not coping with the original problem, when it is most likely independent of it.when it is most likely independent of the original problem.

2. Problem attribution

The cause to which the problematic situation is attributed becomes another of the essential variables to be analyzed, since if a biased or distorted reasoning of such circumstances is carried out, the person may associate the problem to the original problem, the person may associate the problem to a single factor without considering others that may also have had an influence.This can also lead to excessive self-attribution (blaming the cause exclusively on the person him/herself) or, finally, attributing the situation to unchangeable and stable factors rather than to aspects that can be changed and influenced.

Assessment of the problem

The conceptual definition that the subject tends to make about problems in general is another aspect to be addressed.

Thus, problems can be understood as a threat or also as a challenge.. In the first case, the adverse is defined as a potential dangerous situation, which can derive with a greater probability in the development of emotional discomfort such as anxiety, worry, stress and avoidance.

In the second case, however, a more adaptive attitude is adopted where the problem is described as a process that allows for learning or personal enrichment.. In this second case it is understood that it is more functional to try to solve a problem even if the outcome is not entirely satisfactory than not having tried to solve it.

4. Personal control

Personal control involves analyzing both the probability that the person values a problem as a situation that can be solved by his or her actions.The latter has a certain power of control over the situation.

Evidently, a higher proportion of these cognitions facilitates the possibility of effective coping with the problem, while a low probability of personal control is related to behaviors of avoidance and denial of the problem.

5. Commitment of time and effort

The person's willingness to be actively involved in terms of effort and time invested in solving the problem is the fifth factor that determines the likelihood of efficient coping. As in the previous case, if these conditions occur at a low level, it will be more likely that the individual will tend to omit appropriate and functional coping actions..

By way of conclusion

In the preceding lines we have indicated a set of personal attitudinal variables that have a significant influence on how to cope with potential life problems in a functional and adaptive way, and which are linked to the perception and assessment that the person makes of the existence of the problems in general. The understanding of these problems as natural phenomena, understanding them as challenges and not as threats, the realization of a rational reasoning and the development of an adaptive and functional way of coping with them.

The understanding of these as natural phenomena, understanding them as challenges and not as threats, the realization of a rational and logical reasoning about the causes that provoke them, as well as the consideration of a sufficient capacity of personal control over them are fundamental elements that help to adopt a greater competence when solving certain circumstances that may be problematic for the individual, preventing them from worsening or becoming chronic as a consequence of more passive actions and certain dysfunctional type cognitions.

Reference bibliography:

• Bados, A. and García Grau, E. (2014). Troubleshooting. Electronic publication. Colección Objetos y Materiales Docentes (OMADO). http://hdl.handle.net/2445/54764.
• Olivares, J. Y Méndez, F. X. (2008). Técnicas de Modificación de Conducta. Madrid: Biblioteca nueva.
• Rosique Sanz, M. T. (2019) Advances in psychological intervention techniques (2nd edition). Madrid: Ediciones CEF.