Person-Based Social Problem Solving Among 10-, 14- and 16-Year-Olds

Abstract

This cross-sectional research focused on social problem solving (SPS) as a field within social behaviour among Hungarian 10-, 14-, and 16-year-olds (N = 459) in connection with people who considerably affect one's SPS (mothers, fathers, teachers, peers). We used the Social Problem Solving Inventory — Revised (SPSI–R; D'Zurilla, Nezu, & Maydeu-Olivares, 2002; factors: PPO = Positive Problem Orientation; NPO = Negative Problem Orientation; RPS = Rational Problem Solving; I = Impulsivity; A = Avoidance) as a measurement. The content of the original questionnaire has not been changed; the only applied modification concerns the instruction of being person-based when filling in the questionnaire. Based on the results, mothers’ and children's opinion were quite similar in all age groups. Fathers believed that RPS and PPO are more typical, contrary to their children's standpoint (only among 16-year-olds). The teachers saw fewer differences between pupils in terms of their SPS as they spent more years together. In light of the collected data, person-based SPS differs mainly in terms of NPO and A.