Problem-Solving Therapy

Problem-solving therapy, as developed by psychologists Thomas D’Zurilla

and Marvin Goldfried, is also considered one of the cognitive behavioral approaches.

In essence, problem-solving therapy is the application of problem-

solving theory and research to the domain of personal and emotional

problems. Indeed, the ability to solve problems is seen as the necessary and

sufficient condition for emotional and behavioral stability. Problem solving

is, in one way or another, a part of all psychotherapies.

Cognitive behavior therapists have taught general problem- solving skills to

patients with two specific aims: to alleviate the particular personal problems

for which patients have sought therapy and to provide patients with a general

coping strategy for personal problems.

The actual steps of problem solving that patients are taught to carry out

systematically are as follows. First, it is necessary to define the dilemma as a

problem to be solved. Next, a goal must be selected which reflects the ultimate

outcome a patient desires. The patient then generates a list of many

different possible solutions, without evaluating their potential merit (a kind

of brainstorming). Now the patient evaluates the pros and cons of each op

tion in terms of the probability that it will meet the goal selected and its practicality,

which involves considering the potential consequences to oneself

and to others of each solution. The possible solutions are ranked in terms of

desirability and practicality, and the highest one is selected. Next, the patient

tries to implement the solution chosen. Finally, the patient evaluates

the therapy, assessing whether the solution alleviated the problem and met

the goal, and, if not, what went wrong�"in other words, which of the steps in

problem solving needs to be redone.

Problem-solving therapies have been used to treat a variety of target behaviors

with a wide range of patients. Examples include peer relationship

difficulties among children and adolescents, examination and interpersonal

anxiety among college students, relapse following a program to reduce

smoking, disharmony among family members, and the inability of

chronic psychiatric patients to cope with interpersonal problems.