The Factor Structure of the Problem Solving Inventory

Abstract

Heppner and Petersen (1982) derived a three-dimensional structure for the items of the Problem Solving Inventory using principal components analysis. D'Zurilla and Maydeu-Olivares (1995) pointed out the lack of any clear link of the scales of the Problem Solving Inventory (PSI) to social problem-solving theory, which impairs the interpretation of any empirical results obtained with the use of this inventory. To address this issue, we used maximum likelihood factor analysis to investigate the dimensional structure of this inventory. We found that an unrestricted three-dimensional model adequately fit this data but did not match Heppner and Petersen's structure, nor could it be interpreted substantively. Neither four- nor five-dimensional models could be interpreted regardless of the rotation procedure used. Although a two-factor model did not fit the data adequately either, a careful content analysis of the PSI items revealed only two interpretable clusters of items in this inventory, measuring problem-solving self-efficacy and problem solving skills, respectively. In addition, there is also a heterogeneous cluster of items responsible for the residual third dimension appearing in Heppner and Petersen's as well as in the current analyses. Using a theory-guided item-selection procedure we constructed two new PSI scales measuring the two interpretable constructs. The items composing these scales are shown to fit an independent clusters two-dimensional solution.

Take CHARGE! A Randomized Controlled Trial of a Social Problem-Solving Curriculum to Support Students With Emotional and Behavioral Disorders

“…The SPSI-R includes 52 Likert-type self-report items that comprise five scales: Positive Problem Orientation, Negative Problem Orientation, Rational/Adaptive Problem-Solving (RPS), Impulsive/Careless, and Avoidance. The five-factor model emerged from an exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis and was based on goodness of fit, parsimony, and cross validation criteria (Maydeu-Olivares & D’Zurilla, 1997). A detailed description of scale reliability and validity can be found in the manual (D’Zurilla et al, 2002).…”

Relationship of Social Problem-Solving Ability with Interpersonal Relationships: A Prospective Study among Japanese Women and Men

“…Japanese versions of the seven-item Problem-Solving Self-Efficacy scale and nine-item Problem-solving skills scale (Maydeu-olivares & D'zurilla, 1997;sumi, 2009a) were administered. these two scales were developed through a content analysis of the Problem solving inventory (heppner, 1988), one of the representative measures of social problem solving.…”

Problem solving training for schizophrenia: Rationale and review

“…Social skills training or social problem solving assessments have generally used videotaped or roleplayed presentations of hypothetical interpersonal situations to which patients are invited to simulate responses (Donahoe et al, 1990;Freedman et al, 1978;Gaffney & McFall, 1981;Liberman et al, 2001). Several inventories have assessed patients' typical orientation and attitudes to problem solving (Billings & Moos, 1981;D'Zurilla et al, 2001;Heppner & Peterson, 1982;Maydeu-Olivares & D'Zurilla, 1997). However, these measures do not address the real life problem solving of patients.…”