Problem-solving skills

A 15 year old girl returns home after school in a quiet beach-side village on the south coast of NSW, Australia. The house is empty - she is distraught and in great anguish because her boyfriend has just broken off their relationship. She gets her father's shotgun, loads it, puts the muzzle in her mouth and pulls the trigger.

A tragic waste of life - she did not realise that a solution could be found to her emotional distress.

Problem-solving skills can be developed and they are essential for the resolution of many stressful experiences.

It is irrational to assume that every problem can be solved. However, solutions, or compromises, can be found for most problems if the time is taken to examine them logically, creatively and thoroughly. Many people simply do not take the time to explore all the options. A quick-fix mentality makes problem-solving difficult because the deeper issues are rarely confronted.

The following problem-solving technique invites you to approach the problem through a series of questions. If you are serious about solving a problem then you will.take the time to make a written response to these questions. Writing helps to clarify thoughts and it also gives you a permanent record of your ideas and solutions to which you can return from time to time for reassurance and clarification.

1.    What is the real problem to be solved?

It is very important that the problem should be fully and adequately defined. The underlying hidden issues should also be explored so that they can be sensitively dealt with in the context of the more obvious problem features. If the problem is not carefully identified then it is extremely difficult to find satisfactory solutions. (Sometimes actually identifying the problem is the key to its solution.) Therefore define the stressor or stress reactions within a full context. Ask are there any underlying issues that also need to be addressed?

2.    What is the ideal solution?

Try to define what you would consider to be the ideal solution. Many alternative solutions may emerge in the process. In fact it is helpful to have as many alternatives as possible. This process may be time consuming and sometime exhausting but it is absolutely necessary.

3.    What options do I have?

Apply action possibilities to the goals set in Step 2. Some goals may have to be eliminated because they are unrealistic. Others may have to be modified. Some can be achieved. Be specific in defining the possible solutions. Try to be creative when considering options. Develop some really crazy ones just to get your mind stimulated. Mix and match various ideas just to see where they lead. All the historic problem solvers from Archimedes to Einstein have been noted for their feats of bringing to bear, on difficult problems, concepts and principles from apparently disparate fields of knowledge.

4.    What might happen if I put these options into practice?

Consider the consequences of taking certain steps. Imagine and consider how others might respond if they faced a similar situation. Make realistic assessments and do not avoid painful answers. Write down the consequences and face them no matter how difficult that might be in the first instance. It is possible to make considerable progress once reality is confronted. Strength can be drawn from reality. Evaluate the pros and cons. Rehearse strategies and behaviours by means of creative imagination.

5.    What is my decision?

This is often the most difficult step of all. Consult with others; discuss the options facing you; draw on good advice. Having considered all the alternatives then make a decision. Don't waffle or procrastinate. This will only aggravate the problem rather than solving it.
6.    Now Do It!

Apply action to the problem. Set up an action timetable and take the first steps. Keep things moving. Try out the most acceptable and feasible solution. Apply the necessary resources.

7.    Did It Work?

Re-examine the original problem in light of the attempt at problem solving. View any possible failures or disappointments as needed feedback to begin the problem-solving process once again.


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Dr Marwah