Differences in Psychological Distress Between Effective and Ineffective Problem Solvers

Abstract

This study examined differences between self-perceived effective and ineffective problem solvers along variables typically associated with psychological dysfunction and emotional distress. Two hundred thirteen undergraduates initially completed the Problem Solving Inventory. Students who scored at least 1 standard deviation above the mean were classified as ineffective problem solvers (n = 43), whereas subjects scoring at least 1 standard deviation below the mean were designated as effective problem solvers (n = 38). These 81 subjects then completed the Beck Depression Inventory, the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, the Internal-External Locus of Control Scale, and the Problem Check List. Results indicated that self-appraised effective problem solvers, as compared to self-perceived ineffective problem solvers, reported less depression, less trait and state anxiety, a more internal control orientation, less frequent problems, and less distress associated with these problems. These findings suggest that self-appraised problem-solving effectiveness is strongly associated with emotional distress. Implications for counseling are discussed. © 1985 American Psychological Association.