Problem-solving Worksheet

There are many problems that can surface following a breast cancer diagnosis. Everyday stresses are compounded by the need for patients to rearrange their lives to accommodate doctor appointments and make treatment decisions. The following problem-solving techniques have been designed to help break problems down into manageable steps.

Problem-solving Steps*

1.  Define Your Problem and Desired Outcome(s)

The goal of this process is to clarify and understand the specific nature of the problem and to be able to set clear and realistic goals.

Steps to Take:

    a)  Seek out all available facts.

    b)  Describe the facts in clear, objective language.

    c)   Be objective -- separate facts from  assumptions.

    d)  Identify what makes this situation a problem.

    e)  Set realistic goals.

2. Analyze Potential Causes

The goal of this process is to list as many causes of the problem as possible in order to narrow down the list of causes to the most likely ones.

Steps to Take:

    a)  Seek out all potential causes.

    b) Identify the most likely cause(s).

    c)  Determine the true root cause(s).

3.  List Your Options and Solutions

The goal of this process is to list as many solutions to the problem as possible in order to maximize the likelihood that the most effective ones will be among them in order to achieve your desired outcome(s).

     Use the Brainstorming Rules:

    a)  Quantity is important:

            make lists

           combine ideas

           change and modify ideas

    b)  Do not judge any ideas until later.

    c)  Develop ideas into strategies.

4.  Decide on a Solution

The Best Solution is One That:

    a)  Solves the Problem -- reaches goals/desired  outcomes and overcomes  obstacles.

    b)  Maximizes positive consequences.

    c)  Minimizes negative consequences.

5.  Evaluate Possible Results of Your Solution

The goal of this process is to evaluate the available solution alternatives and to choose the best one(s) to carry out the actual problem situation.

Evaluate Each Solution According To:

    a)  The likelihood that the solution will solve the problem.

    b)   The likelihood that you can carry out the solution optimally.

    c)   Short-term effects.

    d)   Long-term effects.

    e)   Personal consequences.

    f)   Social consequences (impact on others).

6. Try Another Solution Option (if the first idea did not work out).

Remember To:

    a)  Choose the solution(s) with more plusses than minuses.

    b)  Combine solutions to increase the chances of  solving the problem.

 7.  Utilize Other/Additional Resources (Ask friends, family members and professionals for ideas if your ideas did not work out.)

*Sources and Suggested Resources/Adapted from:

1.  Living a Healthy Life with Chronic Conditions, Lorig, et. al.

2.  The Genesis Cancer Coping Project: Project Genesis is a research project supported by a grant from the National Cancer Institute.  The projectís Principal Investigator, Arthur M. Nezu, Ph.D. is Professor and Chair of the Department of Clinical and Health Psychology at the Medical College of Pennsylvania and Hahnemann University.

Problem-solving Worksheet

Last Updated: 02/12/2003

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