PROBLEM-SOLVING STYLE, STRESS AND PSYCHOLOGICAL ILLNESS - DEVELOPMENTOF A MULTIFACTORIAL MEASURE

Problem-solving style has emerged in the literature as an important va riable in the development and maintenance of affective disorders. Furt hermore, the literature would suggest that it is related to other vari ables such as attributional style, achievement motivation and control in the mediation of the stress process. Research has been hampered and somewhat clouded by lack of clarity regarding the nature of the const ruct. It would appear to be a multidimensional construct, yet a suitab le multifactorial measure is not available. The current paper reports on two studies (N = 408 and N = 611 respectively) which produced a 24- item six-factor measure. The factors were labelled helplessness, probl em-solving control, creative problem solving style, problem-solving co nfidence, avoidance style and approach style. The studies produced evi dence that the utility of problem-solving style as an explanatory vari able is enhanced when it is treated as a multidimensional construct. T he factors appear to be differentially predictive of different affecti ve states and clinical disorders. The data also support the 24-item me asure as a useful, reliable and valid measure of problem-solving style .