When faced with an everyday problem, there may be several things we can do to solve the issue. Developing a more constructive and helpful approach to solving problems by using practical and effective solutions can help you cope better with life’s issues and feel more in control. This helps to improve wellbeing and functioning.
Structured Problem Solving (SPS) is a step by step process that helps to break down problems into more manageable steps, identifies and evaluates potential solutions to challenges and identifies the best solution going forward. For the following exercise it is strongly recommended that you practise as often as necessary and write it out on paper to assist with the methodical approach to problem-solving.
Step 1: Identify and define the problem
- Clearly and specifically define the problem. Break it down into smaller parts if this is helpful.
- What would you like to achieve or change? What do you dislike about the situation?
Step 2: Brainstorm as many creative solutions as you can
- Friends and family may be valuable in finding potential solutions.
- How can you do something or think differently about the situation?
Step 3: Evaluate the pros and cons of each solution
- Identify and consider the advantages and disadvantages or strengths and weaknesses of each potential solution.
Step 4: Choose a solution or a combination and create a plan of action
- Create a detailed, step by step plan to carry it out to increase the likelihood that the issue will be solved.
Step 5: Try your chosen solution and review what happened
- How did the solution turn out?
- If there is more that needs to be done, repeat the Structured Problem-Solving process.
References
APS – Problem-Solving Therapy Overview 2015
PsychMed – Five steps for problem solving – Reproduced with permission from Robert Ladouceur – Overcoming Pathological Gambling (2007)
https://eapassist.com.au/eap/problem-gambling/
https://www.openarms.gov.au/signs-symptoms/gambling-and-taking-risks/gambling
https://thiswayup.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/Module-3-Structured-Problem-Solving.pdf
