Negative Problem Research Articles

Negative Problem Orientation and Wellbeing Among Emerging Adults: The Mediating Roles of Optimism and Resilience

Understanding the roles of problem orientation for wellbeing during emerging adulthood is crucial to assist this cohort in successfully navigating the challenges of the transitional period. In this context, the present study investigates the interplay between negative problem orientation (NPO), resilience, optimism, and wellbeing among emerging adults. For this cross-sectional study, NPO, optimism, resilience, and wellbeing scales were administered to a total of 355 emerging adults (77% female, Mage= 21.33, SD = 2.35). The results revealed that NPO both directly and indirectly predicted wellbeing through optimism. However, contrary to the common assumption about positive outcomes of resilience, no significant mediating effects of resilience between NPO and wellbeing were observed. The study concludes with a discussion of both theoretical and practical implications of the findings.

Factors Influencing Anxiety in MZ Generation Workers: Occupational Stress, Social Problem Solving, Work as Meaning, and Work-Life Balance

Purpose: This study aimed to examine factors influencing the anxiety levels of MZ generation workers, including occupational stress, social problem solving, work as meaning, and work-life balance.Methods: This study used secondary data from 503 MZ generation workers which was originally collected in a mental health study of workers applying machine learning techniques. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, independent t-tests, one-way ANOVA, Pearson’s correlation analysis, and stepwise multiple regression analysis with SPSS 26.Results: Results indicated that the job demand and job insecurity subscales of occupational stress, negative problem orientation, avoidance style, and impulsive & careless style of social problem solving scale were identified as significant factors that increased anxiety. In contrast, the job control subscale of occupational stress, work-life balance, the greater good motivation subscale of work as meaning, and positive problem orientation of social problem solving scale were identified as important factors that reduced anxiety. These factors collectively explained approximately 49% of the variance in anxiety among MZ generation workers.Conclusion: The findings suggest that it is essential to manage occupational stress with an optimistic perspective, develop social problem solving skills with a sense of meaning at work and maintain a great work-life balance to reduce anxiety among MZ generation workers.

Expectativas Oscuras: On the Added Burden of Concomitant Negative Problem Orientation and Pessimism in Predicting Depressive Symptoms and Suicidal Behaviors in Latinx Young Adults

Expectativas Oscuras: On the Added Burden of Concomitant Negative Problem Orientation and Pessimism in Predicting Depressive Symptoms and Suicidal Behaviors in Latinx Young Adults

The Role of Social Problem-Solving and Prosocial Behavior in First Aid Willingness among Adolescents in Hungary.

First aid is a key factor in preventing further deterioration in an accident, saving lives, or improving treatment in emergencies. However, the reasons behind the willingness to provide first aid are still unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the role of social problem-solving and prosocial behavior in the dimension of first aid willingness. Self-administered questionnaires were used to evaluate the dimensions of first aid willingness (first aid willingness for peers, first aid willingness for strangers, knowledge, and negative emotions), social problem solving (positive problem orientation, negative problem orientation, rational problem solving, avoidance style, and impulsivity/carelessness) and prosocial behavior. A total of 497 school-aged students between the ages of 12 and 15 years (201 boys and 296 girls) participated in this study. Our results showed that positive problem orientation (p < 0.05) and rational problem solving (p < 0.001) are significant factors in determining first aid willingness for both peers and strangers. On the other hand, avoidance style orientation (p < 0.05) has a negative influence on the willingness to provide first aid to peers and strangers. Negative problem orientation (p < 0.001) only predicted negative emotions related to emergencies. Furthermore, prosocial behavior (p < 0.001) was more strongly associated with first aid willingness than social problem solving. Our study suggested that improving social competence could be a key factor in increasing first aid provision in real time, which could save lives in emergencies.

Толерантность к неопределенности и суеверность как личностные ресурсы решения социальных проблем учащейся молодежью

&lt;p&gt;The phenomena of tolerance/intolerance to uncertainty and belief in the paranormal as personal resources for solving social problems by students were examined. The relevance of the topic is due to an attempt to identify the necessary personal determinants that help to effectively cope with life difficulties in the face of the uncertainty and multitasking in the modern world. Hypotheses about the inverse correlation between tolerance to uncertainty and superstition, as well as the direct correlation between tolerance and a rational style and positive orientation, belief in the paranormal with a negative orientation, an avoidant and impulsive style of solving social problems have been put forward. The results of an empirical study conducted among university students studying at the social science, humanities and medical faculties are presented (N=252), aged 18 to 21 years. A set of diagnostic techniques was used: the questionnaire for solving social problems by M.M. Danina et al., the "Paranormal Belief Scale" by J. Tobacyk (adaptation by D.S. Grigoriev), the modified questionnaire of tolerance to uncertainty by S. Badner (adaptation by T.V. Kornilova, M.A. Chumakova). According to the results of the study, it was found that students have a low tendency towards superstition and more often use a rational style when solving social problems. They are also characterized by a predominantly positive problem orientation. The direct correlations of tolerance to uncertainty with a rational style and positive problem orientation, as well as negative connections with avoidant and impulsive styles, a negative problem orientation were found.&lt;/p&gt;

Problem orientation as a moderator of the relation between discrimination and passive suicidal ideation

BackgroundPassive suicidal ideation (i.e., the desire to be dead) may be an important, yet understudied, risk factor for suicidal behavior. Experiences of discrimination have been linked to greater severity of suicidal ideation though less work has examined factors that influence this relation. Though not explicitly tested, prior work suggests that problem orientation, defined as an individual's general beliefs about problems in daily life, may be an important moderator of this relation. In the present study, positive and negative problem orientation were hypothesized to moderate the relation between everyday discrimination and past month frequency of passive suicidal ideation. MethodThe study consisted of a diverse (62.4 % non-White; 21.4 % Latino/a/x; 27 % sexual minority) adult sample (N = 392; Mage = 20.24, SD = 2.49, 67.3 % female) recruited from a U.S. Mid-Atlantic college campus. Discrimination, problem orientation, past-month depressive symptoms, and past-month frequency of passive suicidal ideation were assessed using self-report measures. A single path model with Bayesian estimation was used to evaluate concurrent relations among study variables. ResultsAfter controlling for depressive symptoms, sex, sexual identity, and age, positive problem orientation buffered the impact of lifetime discrimination on past month passive suicidal ideation (b = -0.01, 95 % credibility interval [CI]: [-0.008, -0.001]). Negative problem orientation did not moderate this relation (b = 0.00, 95 % CI: [-0.002, 0.003]). LimitationsStudy design was cross-sectional in nature. ConclusionsResults suggest that bolstering positive problem orientation in treatment with young adults who have experienced discrimination may help reduce suicide risk.

Examining Cognitive Disengagement Syndrome in Relation to Social Problem Solving in Young Adults

Objective: Cognitive disengagement syndrome (CDS), previously referred to as sluggish cognitive tempo (SCT), is characterized by symptoms such as excessive daydreaming, mental confusion, and hypoactivity. CDS symptoms are associated with emotional, social, and daily life impairments. The way in which one solves problems in their daily life is associated with experiences of further problems, such that maladaptive problem-solving can lead to further physical and psychological problems. However, there is limited information on how CDS symptoms are associated with problem solving. The current study examined CDS symptoms in relation to different social problem solving approaches. Method: A total of 280 college students (ages 18–23 years; 77.9% female) completed measures of psychopathology symptoms and social problem solving. Results: Above and beyond ADHD and internalizing symptoms, CDS symptoms were independently associated with negative problem orientation and avoidance style domains of maladaptive problem solving. Conclusion: Findings indicate that CDS symptoms are related to specific difficulties with social problem solving. CDS symptoms may lead to difficulties attending to problems or working through relevant steps needed to identify solutions for the problem, which may then lead to avoidance and social withdrawal. Longitudinal research is needed to evaluate maladaptive problem solving as a potential mechanism in the association between CDS, social withdrawal, and internalizing symptoms.

GAD: Development of Intolerance of Uncertainty Model and Contrast Avoidance Model

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is a mental disorder characterized by extreme and uncontrollable worry. Current studies emphasize the importance of the Contrast Avoidance Model (CAM) and the Intolerance of Uncertainty Model (IUM) in comprehending GAD. The reliability of IUM is supported by empirical evidence that Intolerance of Uncertainty (IU) has a direct impact on worry. Although long-term strategies are required, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for IU (CBT-IU) has demonstrated promise in reducing symptoms of both IU and GAD. Attachment styles play a crucial role, with IU mediating the influence of early experiences on GAD. In the IUM framework, pathways involving Positive Beliefs about Worry (PBW) and Negative Problem Orientation (NPO) have been delineated. CAM predicts GAD independently of IU and exhibits distinct effects on fear and sadness. The impact of Contrast Avoidance (CA) in worry is proved by prior studies. Future studies can draw attention to the association between CA and other variables.

Social problem-solving in intimate partner violence victims: Exploring the relative contributions of shame and PTSD symptoms.

This study examined the contributions of shame and posttraumatic stress disorder(PTSD) symptoms to two dimensions of social problem-solving. A sample of 426 women who were seeking mental health assistance following experiences of intimate partner violencecompleted self-report and clinician measures. Separate path analyses were conducted for problem orientation and problem-solving styles. In the model examining problem orientation, higher levels of shame were significantly associated with lower levels of positive problem orientation (f2 = 0.32) and higher levels of negative problem orientation (f2 = 0.92), with large effects noted. PTSD symptoms were significantly, positively associated with negative problem orientation (f2 = 0.3, large effect). When examining problem-solving styles, shame showed a significant negative association with rational style (f2 = 0.08, small effect) and significant positive associations with impulsive style (f2 = 0.45, large effect) and avoidant style (f2 = 0.48, large effect). PTSD symptoms did not return significant associations with any of the three problem-solving styles. Results indicate that shame holds notable associations with both dimensions of social problem-solving, relative to PTSD symptoms, and are discussed in light of current models of post-trauma functioning. Implications for clinical care and early intervention efforts are highlighted.

The Contrast Avoidance Model: Conclusion and synthesis of new research in the special issue

In this special series, new research on the Contrast Avoidance Model (CAM) was presented, including studies on the role of CAM in the maintenance of chronic worry, the incremental validity of CAM, CAM as a mediator of the association between generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and other variables, CAM as transdiagnostic, and interpersonal behaviors as a means to avoid negative emotional contrasts (NECs). Furthermore, the role of perseverative thought in relation to positive emotional contrasts (PECs) was explored. Studies indicated that higher worry was positively and negatively reinforced, a factor that is likely to contribute to the maintenance of GAD. Further, research demonstrated that CAM contributed unique variance to understanding GAD above and beyond other variables associated with GAD, such as intolerance of uncertainty and negative problem orientation. Additional research revealed the transdiagnostic nature of contrast avoidance, as well as the association between contrast avoidance and problem-solving deficits. In addition, both worry and rumination increased the likelihood of PECs. Further, data suggested that anxious individuals may use interpersonal strategies to avoid NECs. Finally, savoring positive emotions was found to reduce contrast avoidance, providing a novel intervention strategy to address contrast avoidance in individuals with GAD.

Assessment of Social Problem-Solving Self-Efficacy of Freshmen Engineering Students

Abstract—This paper presents an instrument designed to assess the Social Problem-Solving Self-Efficacy of freshmen engineering students. This instrument included 34 items and comprised of 5-dimensions: rational problem solving (RPO), positive problem orientation (PPO), avoidance style (AS), negative problem orientation (NPO) and impulsivity or carelessness style (ICS). This instrument was administered in the fall 2019 to freshmen engineering students at a large private southern Indian university. Exploratory factor analysis revealed 4-factors: positive approach towards problems (PAP), AS, NPO and ICS. For these 4-factors, Cronbach’s alpha ranged between 0.63 to 0.87. t-test was conducted on the 4-factors to find the differences related to gender, background, and prior experience. For PAP, participants with prior experience reported higher self-efficacy than the participants without experience. For AS and NPO, participants without prior experience reported higher self-efficacy than the participants with experience. However, there were no significant difference on the four factors with respect to gender and background. Keywords—exploratory factor analysis; freshmen engineering; self-efficacy; social problem-solving; survey instrument

The multifaceted role of emotion regulation in suicidality: Systematic reviews and meta-analytic evidence.

Despite the number of empirical contributions on the topic, scientists have offered contrasting perspectives on the role of adaptive versus maladaptive emotion regulation (ER) strategies in suicidality. Moreover, suicidal attempts and suicidal ideation are likely to be differentially related to single ER strategies. To provide more systematic knowledge that can be used to draw sound conclusions and formulate clinical indications, we carried out a systematic review and meta-analysis that we reported in compliance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) standards (Moher et al., 2009). From an initial pool of 16,530 articles retrieved from scientific databases (APA PsycInfo, APA PsycArticles, Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, and PubMed) and a search for gray literature, 226 articles were selected to perform 15 meta-analyses. In addition, metaregressions were carried out to test a series of moderators, including the type of suicidality investigated. Among adaptive strategies, results evidenced the role of reappraisal, mindfulness, and several aspects of problem solving. In contrast to our hypothesis, reflective attitude was positively associated with suicidality, calling into question the traditional distinction between adaptive and maladaptive strategies. Regarding maladaptive ER strategies, suppression, avoidance, rumination, brooding, negative problem orientation, and both impulsive and avoidant problem solving proved to be significantly associated with suicidality. Finally, several moderation effects involving age, gender composition, and type of suicidality were observed, supporting the importance of adopting a complex perspective when approaching the topic. Despite the interesting preliminary results, additional research is needed to provide a greater understanding of the interplay between the different ER strategies and suicidality and to develop effective protocols of intervention. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Applicability of the cognitive model of generalized anxiety disorder to adolescents’ sleep quality: A cross-sectional and longitudinal analysis

BackgroundPoor sleep quality is a prevalent health issue among adolescents, and few studies have examined the variables affecting adolescents’ sleep quality from the perspective of the co-occurrence of sleep issues and anxiety disorders. Therefore, the current study investigated whether the cognitive model of generalized anxiety disorder applies to adolescents’ sleep quality. MethodIn Study 1, a total of 2042 adolescents were recruited and they completed questionnaires relating to worry, intolerance of uncertainty (IU), negative problem orientation (NPO), cognitive avoidance (CA), and sleep quality. In Study 2, a total of 379 adolescents participated in a six-month longitudinal survey to verify the model that was obtained in Study 1. ResultsStudy 1 showed the modified cognitive model of generalized anxiety disorder can be applied to adolescents’ sleep quality. Specifically, IU was a higher-order vulnerability factor that directly affected worry, and indirectly fostered worry via NPO and CA, where worry only mediated the relationships between IU, NPO, and sleep quality. However, CA exerted no independent effect on worry or sleep quality beyond the influences of IU and NPO, therefore, it dropped out of the final model. Study 2 partially confirmed the above model again from the longitudinal perspective. ConclusionThe present study constructs a new model to explain adolescents’ sleep quality, providing a foundation for future interventions.

Expecting the uncertain: The applicability of the intolerance of uncertainty model on fear of childbirth

A considerable number of pregnant women experience fear of childbirth (FOC), characterized by worries and fear of the unpredictable. Despite this, the psychological processes in FOC have received notably little attention. The aim of this study was to advance the understanding by exploring the applicability of the Intolerance of Uncertainty (IU) model on FOC. Anonymous data was collected in a sample of pregnant women (N = 357) with varying levels of FOC. Analyses supported the associations between FOC and all proposed psychological processes: IU, negative problem orientation, positive beliefs about worry and avoidance of inner experiences. The exploration of potential mediators of the relation between IU and FOC revealed that, of the three processes from the model, only positive beliefs about worry were a mediator, and more specifically, a partial mediator between IU and FOC. These findings add to the theoretical understanding of FOC, by indicating that the role of IU may be similar to other conditions inflicted by worry and anxiety, which may inform treatment development.

The characteristics of social problem-solving among Palestinian adolescents

AbstractSocial problem-solving skills are the individual's way for better social adaptation. Therefore, the study aimed to investigate the characteristics of Palestinian adolescents' social problem-solving (Positive orientation, negative orientation, rational style, impulsive style, and avoidance style) in connection to some demographic variables (i.e. gender, age, family composition, father's education, and mother's education). As an instrument, Social Problem-Solving Inventory-Revised (SPSI-R) was applied to 410 Palestinian adolescents whose ages (12, 15, and 18 years old). The results showed that the Palestinian adolescents had the highest level of positive orientation and the least level of negative problem orientation towards solving social-problems. In addition, the finding showed that there were no differences between girls and boys in positive orientation, rational style and impulsive style, while females had a tendency towards negative orientation and avoidance style. There were no differences attributed to age in negative orientation, rational style, impulsive style, and avoidance style. However, it was found that positive orientation was prominent in 18 years old. There was no difference in adolescents' family composition in their dealing with social problems. Also, there was no difference in solving social problems attributed to the father's education. However, there was no difference in negative orientation, positive orientation, rational style, and impulsive style attributed to mother's education. However, there was a relationship between the mother who has elementary school and avoidance style.

Incremental validity of the contrast avoidance model: A comparison with intolerance of uncertainty and negative problem orientation.

This study examined the incremental validity of the Contrast Avoidance Model (CAM) in predicting generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) symptoms when compared against well-established constructs in the GAD literature: intolerance of uncertainty (IU) and negative problem orientation (NPO). In this study, 185 students (108 of whom endorsed clinical levels of GAD symptoms) completed questionnaires to assess for all constructs. GAD symptoms were regressed on measures of contrast avoidance (CA; Contrast Avoidance-General Emotion and Contrast Avoidance-Worry Questionnaires; Llera & Newman, 2017) tendencies in addition to measures of IU and NPO in separate analyses. Commonality analyses explored the unique versus overlapping contributions of each factor in explaining GAD symptoms. In all models, CA was a significant predictor after controlling for demographic variables (age, gender, race, and ethnicity) and both IU and NPO. This was also true when excluding CA items referencing worry. All variables contributed unique explanatory power in the prediction of GAD. Results provide evidence of the incremental validity of the CAM as a model of GAD.

Contrast avoidance prospectively mediates effects of fear of emotional responding, negative problem orientation, and sensitivity to low perceived control on generalized anxiety disorder symptoms

The Contrast Avoidance Model (CAM; Newman & Llera, 2011) has been well established in the literature on the etiology and maintenance of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Research has investigated other factors that may also characterize GAD, such as fear of emotional responding, negative problem orientation (NPO), and negative beliefs about control; however, these have yet to be explored within the context of the CAM regarding maintenance of GAD symptoms. The purpose of this study was to explore the predictive relationship between the above-mentioned factors and GAD symptoms, mediated by contrast avoidance. Participants (N=99, 49.5% of whom scored in the upper range on GAD symptoms) completed a series of questionnaires across three time points, each one week apart. Results indicated that fear of emotional responding, NPO, and sensitivity to low perceived control predicted CA tendencies a week later. CA tendencies then mediated the relationship between each predictor and GAD symptoms in the following week. Findings suggested that known vulnerabilities for GAD predict coping with distressing internal responses via sustained negative emotionality (such as through chronic worry) as a way to avoid negative emotional contrasts. However, this coping mechanism itself may maintain GAD symptoms over time.

Turkish Validity and Reliability Study of Psychosocial Assessment Tool Oncology Version.

Children diagnosed with cancer and their families may not be able to overcome the effects of cancer diagnosis. Because there may be risk factors for some psychosocial problems. It is important to evaluate these risk factors and plan early interventions for risks such as depression, anxiety, suicide, and cessation of treatment. Psychosocial Assessment Tool was adapted to many languages. This study aimed to conduct the Turkish language adaptation of the Psychosocial Assessment Tool oncology version in families of 2- to 18-year-old children with newly diagnosed cancer. The steps used in the cultural adaptation of the scale were content validity, construct validity, criterion-related validity, surface validity, standard deviation and item analysis, internal consistency analysis, and test-retest reliability. We used the following scales for receiver operating characteristic analysis and correlations: the Pediatric Quality of Life Scale, the Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale, and Negative Problem Orientation Questionnaire. The reliability of Psychosocial Assessment Tool was strong [Kuder Richardson-20: 0.84], and the KR-20 values of the subdimensions ranged from 0.524 to 0.798. The Psychosocial Assessment Tool was moderately correlated with Pediatric Quality of Life Scale and Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale. Most families (49.4%) were classified in medium-risk category (targeted), 34.9% in low-risk category (universal), and 15.7% in high-risk category (clinical). The study confirms that the Turkish version of the Psychosocial Assessment Tool is a valid and reliable scale and could be used in pediatric oncology units for psychosocial evaluation and interventions in families of children with cancer.

Negative Problem Orientation Is Associated With Mental Health Outcomes for Veterans Enrolled in Problem-Solving Training

Dysfunctional beliefs about problem-solving ability, also called negative problem orientation (NPO), may contribute to the development and maintenance of mental health disorders. Problem-solving therapy is an evidence-based treatment that aims to reduce NPO, and thus improve mental health. This report examined whether baseline to posttreatment change in NPO was associated with changes in anxiety and depression symptom severity and suicidal ideation in patients receiving Veterans Affairs (VA) problem-solving training (PST): skills-based psychosocial interventions for veterans based on the key components of problem-solving therapy. PST was delivered in one of three VA national PST programs: PST—Home-Based Primary Care, PST—Primary Care, or group-based PST in inpatient and outpatient mental health clinics. Self-report measures assessed NPO, anxiety, and depressive symptom severity (including a suicidal ideation rating) at baseline and posttreatment. After adjusting for age and PST program, greater reductions in NPO from baseline to posttreatment significantly predicted greater reductions in depressive and anxiety symptom severity and suicidal ideation. Findings suggest that PST is associated with reduced NPO, which is associated with greater improvement of mental health symptom severity. Future studies should assess NPO at treatment midpoint to determine whether NPO change is an early indicator and possible mediator of PST treatment progress.

Problem-Solving Dimensions among Caregivers of People with Cancer Receiving Outpatient Palliative Care

Family caregivers of people with cancer encounter a wide range of problems including challenges managing patients’ symptoms, difficulties navigating complex healthcare systems, and financial stressors associated with caregiving. Outpatient palliative care teams are ideally positioned to help caregivers respond to these challenges; however, little evidence is available to inform problem-solving support for caregivers in this setting. This article presents results from a secondary analysis of data obtained as part of a randomized clinical trial of a problem-solving intervention for family caregivers of people with cancer receiving outpatient palliative care. It describes the extent to which caregivers report adoption of positive and negative problem orientations and use of rational, impulsive, and avoidant problem-solving styles, and examines whether these problem-solving dimensions differ by age and gender. Results reveal statistically significant negative correlations between caregiver age and positive and negative problem orientations and use of a rational problem-solving style, and statistically significant gender differences with regard to negative problem orientation and use of an impulsive problem-solving style. Findings from this exploratory study highlight unique potential strengths and needs of caregivers, and set the stage for future research on problem-solving among cancer caregivers in the growing field of outpatient palliative care.