The problem-solving inventory (PSI) is the most widely used applied problem-solving measure in the United States. Although a great deal of validity and reliability information exists for the PSI, much of this data has been collected in the United States. The purpose of this study was to examine the PSI's psychometric estimates with a large sample…

We are very grateful for the thoughtful, scholarly, and insightful comments of the reactants and appreciate the kind words about our Major Contribution. One of the goals of the Major Contribution was to review the existing literature on problem-solving appraisal as measured by the Problem Solving Inventory (PSI) (Heppner, 1988) and, subsequently,…

Examined relationship of parental alcoholism and family functioning to problem-solving appraisal, social support, interpersonal cognitive schema, and substance use among 40 adult children of alcoholics (ACOAs) and 40 non-ACOAs. Participants from dysfunctional families reported more negative problem-solving appraisal and interpersonal cognitive…

Presents an information processing view of personal problem solving which involves how people take in information, process information into plans for solutions to personal problems, and carry out plans. Presents a definition of "problem." Offers suggestions for research and for counseling. (Author/NB)

Examined how male (n=44) and female (n=35) farmers reacted to stressors of farm crisis. Depressive symptomatology for men was correlated with lack of confidence in problem-solving ability and emotion-focused coping, whereas women's stress and depressive symptoms were most strongly correlated with lack of vocational identity and perception of…

Examines the problem-solving appraisal of male delinquent adolescents (N=146) and the relationship of problem-solving appraisal to three variables: narcissistic vulnerability, locus of control, and depression. Results indicate a significant relationship between facets of problem-solving appraisal and the three variables. Problem solving is a…

Examined differences between students (N=64) who appraised their problem-solving skills as positive versus negative on two career indecision instruments. Subjects who perceived themselves as positive problem solvers were more confident about their decision-making ability and occupational potential and more likely to have related their abilities to…

Examined personal problem solving activities of Black undergraduates (N=84) using three measures: Problem Solving Inventory; Level of Problem Solving Skills Estimate Form; and Ways of Coping Scale. Results indicated no racial (Black versus White) or geographic (urban versus rural) differences in responses. (BL)

Examined differences between self-perceived effective and ineffective problem solvers on several cognitive content and process variables of college students (N=500). Results indicated that subjects who perceived themselves as effective problem solvers had higher self-concepts and coping styles that were less blameful and more problem focused. (LLL)

Despite increased interest in real life problem solving with both children and adults, the question of whether problem solving is related to psychological adjustment remains unanswered. To examine whether college students' self-appraisal of their problem solving skills is related to their psychological adjustment, 671 students took the Problem…

Because problem-solving appraisal has been demonstrated to be a critical variable in psychological adjustment, this study examined its potential role as both a static and dynamic client attribute influencing the process and outcome of career counseling. Participants were 151 adults who received an average of five sessions of naturally occurring…

The problem-solving process within counseling was analyzed by extending a problem-solving model proposed by D'Zurilla and Goldfried. The counseling process is a problem-solving event, a perspective that may lead researchers into new research problems and greater specificity. Research from psychological, industrial, and counseling fields delineated…

Examines the dimensions underlying the applied problem-solving process and describes the development of a problem-solving instrument based on factor-analysis results. Delineates initial reliability and validity estimates of the instrument. Discusses future research implications and provides a research instrument easily administered and scored.…

Evaluated effects of subject-perceived need and interviewer role on a subject's opinions and behaviors. Results indicate that roles were perceived as intended and resulted in intended opinion changes. Perceived interviewer expertness did influence subjects to engage in certain self-help activities, but the scope of those behaviors was limited.…

Administered problem-solving appraisal inventories to Veterans Administration inpatient recovering male alcoholics (N=45) to generalize problem-solving appraisal research beyond normal population to clinical population. Results suggest that problem-solving appraisal of inpatient male alcoholics is more similar to late adolescents than to adults.…