The Importance Of Problem Solving Therapy

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Problem-Solving Therapy is a current psychological therapy being researched for its effectiveness in the treatment of multiple mental health areas. Problem-Solving Therapy (PST) assists in effectively adapting to situations, perceived as a problem. The therapy consists of both a social problem-solving aspect and a relational problem-solving model of stress and well-being which are closely related. The theory is empirically supported through the mediator-like role of an individual’s ability to cope with problems towards there mental space and behaviour. The efficacy of Problem-Solving Therapy has been researched on mental health issues like, schizophrenia, depression, anxiety, and weight related issues. Problem-Solving Therapy was developed …show more content…

This is possible as it contains a step-by-step method that an be taught to the client and further applied outside of therapy sessions. The method can be simplified to follow the small actions of attitude adjustment, problem definition, creating alternate solutions, outcome prediction and fulfilling the chosen path (Dobson, 2009, p. 212). Altering the attitude to being positive about the problem is crucial as it sets the mental state to place in which motivation to solve the problem can thrive. Furthermore, defining the problem realistically is vital as it allows the individual to understand the full scope of what a realistic goal for overcoming the problem may be. From there the client must create alternate possible routes for them to undertake to possibly solve the problem. The Client must then assess the alternate solutions, predict the positive and negative outcomes and pick the best perceived option. Finally, the client must then try out the chosen path. They should monitor the situation and to understand progress. It is important that if the client does not receive a successful outcome that they do not give up. Rather they should repeat the cycle until a positive outcome takes place, considering any additional information gain from this …show more content…

This model relies heavily on the PST assumption that a deficit in the ability to cope problems and problem solving would result of in negative mental health symptoms (D’Zurilla & Goldfried, 1971). The relational/problem-solving model incorporates Lazarus’s relational model of stress’s definition of stress to develop the understanding of a problem. Lazarus and Folkman (1984) define stress as a state in which a situation has been evaluated by the individual and results in feelings of difficulties that may affect their well-being. The relational model uses this in combination with the original concept of a problem. The model evaluates the interconnected relationship of stressful life events, emotional stress/well-being and, problem-solving coping to assess the stress element of a situation. A stressful life event has been defined as a moment on life that requires adjustment in social, biological or personal areas of the person’s life (Bloom, 1985). These are often negative as the readjustment causes for a stress reaction. These events range from daily situations to negative major life events. Furthermore, the element of emotional stress refers to the emotional reaction that is experienced due to the event (Dobson, 2009, p. 203). Resulting negative emotions often lead to an inhibited coping ability. The initial attitude can be heavily influenced by the client’s current

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