Hostname: page-component-cd9895bd7-mkpzs Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-12-27T03:45:23.682Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false

Social Problem-Solving: Why Doesn't it Work?

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 October 2015

Alan Ralph*
Affiliation:
Murdoch University
*
Psychology Program, Murdoch University, MURDOCH W.A. 6150
Get access

Abstract

Several studies are reviewed which evaluate the efficacy of training social problem-solving. Most of these studies reported assessing whether transfer of training took place following training. The means by which these assessments were made are examined and conclusions drawn concerning their validity. Attention is also drawn to the findings reported from several recent studies that question the efficacy of the step-by-step process model of training and propose an alternative model based on content analysis. Finally, the role of verbal cues in training social problem-solving is examined and a call made for the empirical analysis of competent behaviour in natural settings prior to training.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Australian Psychological Society 1990

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

References

Bates, P. (1980). The effectiveness of interpersonal skills training on the social skill acquisition of moder ately and mildly retarded adults. Journal of Applied Behaviour Analysis, 13, 237248CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Bramston, P. & Spence, S.H. (1985). Behavioural versus cognitive social-skills training with intellectually-handicapped adults. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 23, 239246.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Castles, E.E. & Glass, C.R. (1986). Training in social and interpersonal problem-solving skills for mildly and moderately mentally retarded adults. American Journal of Mental Deficiency, 91, 3542.Google ScholarPubMed
D’Zurilla, T. & Goldfried, M. (1971). Problem -solving and behaviour modification. Journal of Abnormal Psychology, 78, 107126.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
D’Zurilla, T. & Nezu, A. (1972). Social problem -solving in adults. In Kendall, P.C. (Ed.), Advances in cognitive-behavioural research and therapy. Volume 1. New York: Academic Press.Google Scholar
Edelstein, B.A., Couture, E., Cray, M., Dickens, P. & Lusebrink, N. (1980). Group training of problem-solving with psychiatric patients. In Upper, D. & Ross, S.M. (Eds.), Behavioural group training: An annual review, (pp. 85102). Champaign, III.: Research Press.Google Scholar
Foxx, R.M. & Faw, G.D. (in press). Problem-solving skills training for psychiatric inpatients: An analysis of generalisation. Behaviour Residential Treatment.Google Scholar
Foxx, R.M., Kyle, M.S., Faw, G.D. & Bittle, R.G. (1989a). Problem-solving skills training: Social validation and generalization. Behavioural Residential Treatment, 4, 269288.Google Scholar
Foxx, R.M., Kyle, M.S., Faw, G.D. & Bittle, R.G. (1989b). Teaching a problem-solving strategy to inpatient adolescents: Social validation and generalization. Child & Family Behaviour Therapy, 11, 71 88.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Foxx, R.M., Martella, R.C. & Marchand-Martella, N.E. (1989). The acquisition, maintenance and generalisation of problem-solving skills by closed head-injured adults. Behaviour Therapy, 20, 6176.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Foxx, R.M., Marchand-Martella, N.E.Martella, R.C., Braunling-McMorrow, D & McMorrow, M.J. (1988) Teaching a problem-solving strategy to closed head-injured adults. Behavioural Residential Treatment, 3, 193210.Google Scholar
Hansen, D.J., St. Lawrence, J.S., & Christoff, K.A. (1985). Effects of interpersonal problem-solving training with chronic aftercare patients on problem-solving component skills and effectiveness of solutions. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 53, 167174.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Intagliata, J.C. (1978). Increasing the interpersonal prob lem-solving skills of an alcoholic population. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 46, 489498.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Kazdin, A.E., Esveldt-Dawson, K., French, N.H. & Unis, A.S. (1987). Problem-solving skills training and relationship therapy in the treatment of antisocial child behaviour. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 55, 7685.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
McClure, LF., Chinsky, J.M. & Larcen, S.W. (1978). Enhancing social-problem solving performance in an elementary school setting. Journal of Educational Psychology, 70, 504513.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Ralph, A. & Birnbrauer, J.S. (1985). A task-analytic approach to generalisation: An alternative to behavioural alchemy. Proceedings of the eighth annual conference of the Australian Behaviour Modification Association, Melbourne, A.B.M.A.Google Scholar
Shure, M. & Spivack, G. (1972). A problem-solving intervention program for disadvantaged preschool children. Paper presented at the Eastern Psychological Association. Boston, Mass.Google Scholar
Shure, M. & Spivack, G. (1974). The PIPS Manual Philadelphia. Hahnemann Community Retardation Centre, Dept. of Mental Health Services & Hahnemann Medical College, Penn.Google Scholar
Spence, S.H. (1980). Social skills training for children and adolescents: A counsellor’s manual. Windsor: NFER Publishing.Google Scholar
Tisdelle, D.A. & St. Lawrence, J.S. (1988). Adolescent interpersonal problem-solving skill training: Social validation and generalisation Behaviour Therapy, 19, 171182Google Scholar
Trower, P., Bryant, B. & Argyle, M. (1978). Social skills and mental health. London: Methuen.Google Scholar
Urbain, E.S. & Kendall, P.C. (1980). Review of social-cognitive problem-solving interventions with children. Psychological Bulletin, 88, 109143.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed