D’Zurilla and Goldfried’s problem-solving technique

The problem solving technique by D’Zurilla and Goldfried was created in order to provide solutions to problems (especially social) through well-defined steps and dividing it into small parts. Based on the importance of cognition and individualization of problems, an attempt was made to create a therapy and systematize it so that each person could adapt it to their specific situation.

These authors considered that recognizing and defining the problems was the first step to reaching a solution. Thus, the biggest problem in society was precisely that they did not know how to recognize themselves. Precisely for this reason, they dedicated most of their time to clearly defining the problems and the areas they covered.

Along with what was described, the elements that laid the foundations for the development of the problem solving technique of these authors were:

Recognition of the importance of creativity applied to solving problems and everyday tasks. rejection of a purely biological model or doctor.The emergence of cognitive-behavioral therapies and new models of interaction with stress.

Stages for troubleshooting

Within this model, they defined the 5 stages of problem solving techniquethese are:

1. General orientation towards the problem

In this first phase, the aim is for the person to realize that problems are part of daily life. Once its everyday nature is recognized, It is about facing them without greatly distorting our normal life.. The most important questions in this first part are: how I perceive the problem, how I value it, what power I have over it and what part of my time it takes up.

2. Definition and formulation

In this second stage an important question is addressed. The importance that the problem has for one. We also try to answer where it comes from, establish what I want to achieve and know how to define it clearly.

Define the problem in objective and solvable terms. What happens? What bothers me?Seek relevant and objective information.Understand the conflict.Establish realistic goals.Reassess the problem at this moment.

3. Generation of alternatives

At the moment Creativity takes importance. It is time to generate as many and as varied solutions as possible. It doesn’t matter if they are realistic or not, it is about generating as many as possible, and then choosing the one that we value most as a solution.

Principle of quantity: quantity generates quality.Principle of delay of judgment: do not evaluate the consequences, in principle all alternatives can be valid.Principle of variety: propose different solutions and combine them.

4. Decision making

This step consists of observing the consequences of each of the previous alternatives and their advantages and disadvantages. In short, it is about analyzing all possible aspects, and then choose an option and prepare the plan.

Having said that, When making decisions, it would be useful to ask yourself the following questions.:

Is the idea practical and can it be executed? Is it realistic? Is it expensive? How long does it require? Can it be implemented by oneself or does it require other people? Do the anticipated consequences lead to the solution of the problem?

5. Verification

Once the decision is made, the plan is put into action. It is appropriate to plan intermediate evaluations at different points. In this way, we obtain a feedback and we can make small adjustments depending on how the process goes. These intermediate evaluations, in the long and hard processes, will indicate our degree of success.

In this step it is pertinent to keep in mind that, if the results are similar to those expected, the ideal would be to celebrate and feel proud of a job well done. Thus, the motivation to continue with the planet can be enhanced. And, if the opposite happens, it is essential not to give up, review the process of the previous phases and learn from the experience.

Special Considerations of Troubleshooting Technique

These authors did not leave aside in the problem-solving technique the emotional causes or consequences that could be behind the problem. Therefore, they should be taken into account in each of the phases. For example, when defining, when proposing solutions and especially when the time comes to act.

The first thing we will have to do is define the problem well. So that someone, outside of us, could understand it. By defining the problems well, we manage to limit them, make them manageable and be able to work with specific and not so general aspects. In this sense, when we break it down, many times the problem is minimized.

Let’s not forget that problems are part of our daily lives.that our job is not to make them disappear, but to create or work on the tools we have to confront them in the most effective way we can.

Many will continue to affect us once we have “done this treatment” on them. However, Our objective, if we cannot give them a definitive and short-term solution, will be to minimize them.. Thus, we will ensure that they generate the least emotional and practical noise in our lives, adopting as much as possible creative, varied solutions that allow us to grow.

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