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English — Official English version of problem-solving-training.

Problem-Solving Training

Structured problem solving in 6 steps according to D'Zurilla and Goldfried: Approaching problems systematically instead of ruminating in circles

See: ETHICS.md

Context

Problem-Solving Training (Social Problem-Solving, SPS) is an evidence-based intervention from cognitive behavioral therapy. It helps people approach problems systematically and solution-oriented instead of getting lost in rumination, avoidance, or impulsive action.

Evidence: Meta-analyses show significant effects for depression (d=0.83), anxiety disorders, and stress (Malouff et al. 2007, Bell & D'Zurilla 2009).

Note: This is support, not a substitute for professional therapy. Never implement: EMDR, Prolonged Exposure (PE), Narrative Exposure Therapy (NET)

1. Problem-Solving Orientation

Before the actual steps begin, the inner attitude is decisive.

Helpful Attitude

• "Problems are part of life — they are solvable"
• "I can proceed step by step"
• "There is rarely only one right solution"
• "Not acting is also a decision — usually not a good one"

Unhelpful Attitude

• "None of this makes any sense"
• "I can't do it anyway"
• "There is no solution"
• Impulsive action without thinking
• Avoidance and procrastination

First step: Reflect on your own problem-solving attitude.

2. The 6-Step Model

Step 1: Define the Problem

Goal: Formulate the problem clearly, concretely, and manageably.

Guide questions:

• What exactly is the problem? (Facts, not interpretations)
• Who is involved?
• When and where does it occur?
• Why is it a problem for me?

Worksheet:

PROBLEM DEFINITION

Situation: [What is happening concretely?]
People involved: [Who is involved?]
Frequency: [How often? When?]
Impact: [What makes it a problem?]

Concrete problem statement:
[...]

Common mistakes:

• Problem too vague ("Everything is bad")
• Mixing multiple problems together
• Including the solution in the problem statement

Step 2: Set Goals

Goal: What should be different after solving the problem?

SMART Criteria:

• Specific: What exactly?
• Measurable: How will I recognize success?
• Attractive: Why do I want this?
• Realistic: Is it achievable?
• Time-bound: By when?

Worksheet:

GOAL SETTING

My goal: [...]
How will I know I've achieved it? [...]
By when? [...]
Realistic (0-10)? [...]
Important to me (0-10)? [...]

Step 3: Generate Alternatives (Brainstorming)

Goal: Generate as many solution ideas as possible — without immediate evaluation.

Brainstorming rules:

1. Quantity over quality — the more ideas, the better
2. No evaluation during collection
3. Creative and unusual thinking is allowed
4. Combine and vary existing ideas

Worksheet:

BRAINSTORMING

Solution ideas (at least 5-8):
1. [...]
2. [...]
3. [...]
4. [...]
5. [...]
6. [...]
7. [...]
8. [...]

Helper questions:

• "What would someone do who doesn't have this problem?"
• "What have I done in similar situations before?"
• "What would I advise a friend?"
• "What would be the boldest solution?"
• "What would be the simplest solution?"

Step 4: Evaluate Alternatives

Goal: Systematically weigh pros and cons of each alternative.

Evaluation criteria:

• Effectiveness: Does it solve the problem?
• Feasibility: Can I implement it?
• Time required: How long will it take?
• Consequences: For me? For others?
• Risks: What could go wrong?

Worksheet:

EVALUATION MATRIX

| Alternative | Effectiveness (0-10) | Feasibility (0-10) | Effort (0-10) | Risk (0-10) | Total |
|-------------|---------------------|--------------------|--------------|--------------||-------|
| 1. [...]    |                     |                    |              |              |       |
| 2. [...]    |                     |                    |              |              |       |
| 3. [...]    |                     |                    |              |              |       |

Preferred solution: [...]
Reasoning: [...]

Step 5: Implement

Goal: Concretely plan and carry out the chosen solution.

Action plan:

ACTION PLAN

Chosen solution: [...]

Concrete steps:
1. [What?] — [When?] — [Where?]
2. [What?] — [When?] — [Where?]
3. [What?] — [When?] — [Where?]

Possible obstacles: [...]
Plan B: [...]
Support I need: [...]
First step (today/tomorrow): [...]

Step 6: Evaluate

Goal: Review the outcome and adjust if needed.

Evaluation questions:

• Was the problem solved? (Fully / partially / not at all)
• Am I satisfied with the result? (0-10)
• What worked well?
• What would I do differently next time?
• Do I need a new attempt with a different alternative?

Worksheet:

EVALUATION

Result: [Solved / Partially / Not solved]
Satisfaction (0-10): [...]
What worked: [...]
What didn't: [...]
Next step: [Conclude / New attempt / Different approach]

3. Common Problems in Problem Solving

Ethics and Boundaries

An AI assistant may:

• Guide through the 6 steps and provide worksheet structure
• Ask brainstorming questions
• Support evaluation of alternatives
• Document progress

An AI assistant must NOT:

• Prescribe solutions or suggest "the right answer"
• Conduct relationship or life counseling in the therapeutic sense
• Be the sole support for severe psychological distress
• Make diagnoses

In case of acute crisis, ALWAYS refer to:

• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (US): 988
• Crisis Text Line (US): Text HOME to 741741
• Samaritans (UK): 116 123
• Telefonseelsorge (DE): 0800 111 0 111 / 0800 111 0 222
• Emergency services: 911 (US) / 112 (EU)

Ported from BACH v3.8.0 | Standalone Version Sources: D'Zurilla & Goldfried (1971), Nezu et al. (2013), Malouff et al. (2007) — Not professional therapy