Definition
Problem-solving therapy (PST) is a brief, empirically supported, cognitive-behavioral intervention aimed at training clients to identify, evaluate, and resolve everyday problems through the methodical application of problem-solving skills. In addition to teaching specific coping skills, PST emphasizes the importance of maintaining a positive problem-solving orientation and a rational problem-solving style (D’Zurilla & Nezu, 2010).
An individual’s problem-solving orientation encompasses how one perceives problems, to what/whom they attribute these problems, how they appraise problematic situations, and the degree to which they view their problems as under their control. A major goal of PST is to help clients view problems as solvable challenges instead of insurmountable impasses.
A person’s problem-solvi...
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Margolis, S.A., Osborne, P., Gonzalez, J.S. (2013). Problem Solving. In: Gellman, M.D., Turner, J.R. (eds) Encyclopedia of Behavioral Medicine. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4419-1005-9_208
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4419-1005-9_208
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