Brief Description

The PSI consists of 32 statement-based items designed to assess how individuals perceive their own problem-solving abilities. The questions are framed to focus not on objective problem-solving performance, but rather on the individual’s subjective sense of confidence, strategy use, and general approach toward everyday problems. The instrument evaluates three core dimensions: problem-solving confidence, approach-avoidance style, and personal control over the problem-solving process.

Purpose

The primary aim of the PSI is to measure and evaluate how people perceive their ability to solve problems, as well as the attitudes and strategies they adopt when faced with such situations. The inventory does not assess actual problem-solving competence, but instead the internal self-assessment of one’s own abilities. It has been shown to relate closely to psychological health, including anxiety, depression, and perceived self-efficacy.

Scoring Method

The PSI includes 32 items rated on a seven-point Likert scale ranging from 1 (strongly disagree) to 7 (strongly agree). Responses are summed to produce a total score and subscale scores for the three dimensions. Specifically, 16 items measure problem-solving confidence, 11 items assess approach-avoidance tendencies, and 5 items evaluate perceived personal control. Higher scores reflect greater perceived inefficacy and avoidant tendencies in problem-solving.

Validity

The PSI has been extensively validated through numerous studies that confirm its effectiveness in assessing subjective perceptions of problem-solving. It shows significant correlations with other psychological constructs such as self-esteem and mental health, and it is not influenced by social desirability bias. Factor analyses have supported the theoretical structure of the scale, strengthening its construct validity.

Reliability

The PSI demonstrates strong internal consistency, with Cronbach’s alpha coefficients ranging from 0.72 to 0.90 across subscales. Test-retest reliability is also high, with coefficients between 0.83 and 0.89, indicating consistent results over time.

Data Analysis and Use

The PSI can be used in both research and clinical contexts. Analysis of the results can help identify maladaptive patterns in how individuals perceive and approach problems. It is useful for psychoeducation, intervention, and therapy, particularly for individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, or low self-esteem. PSI scores can also be correlated with demographic or psychological variables and used in statistical group comparisons.

References

Heppner, P. P., Baumgardner, A., & Jackson, J. (1985). Problem-solving self-appraisal, depression, and attributional style: Are they related? Cognitive Therapy and Research, 9, 105–113. Heppner, P. P., & Petersen, C. H. (1982). The development and implications of a personal problem-solving inventory. Journal of Counseling Psychology, 29, 66–75. Kleftras, G., Alevriadou-Papadopoulou, S., & Tzoytzani, I. (1996). Cognitive tools for assessing problem-solving effectiveness: The adaptation of the PSI for the Greek population. Proceedings of the 5th Panhellenic Conference of Psychological Research, Patras. Kleftras, G., & Grigoriou, Z. (2003). Problem-solving and its relationship to depressive symptomatology in parents of children with disabilities. Presented at the 17th Conference of the European Health Psychology Society: Health and Quality of Life, Island of Kos.