Social problem-solving attitudes and performance as a function of differences in trait and state worry

• Published in: Journal of behavior therapy and experimental psychiatry 2023-03, Vol.78, p.101792-101792, Article 101792
• Main Authors: Szabo, Judit, Koerner, Naomi, Carney, Colleen E.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Anxiety - psychology; Attentional processes; Attitudes; Emotional regulation; Humans; Induction; Memory, Short-Term; Problem orientation; Problem Solving; Self Report; Selfappraisal; Short term memory; Social problem-solving; Social Problems; Training; Worry
• ISSN: 0005-7916; 1873-7943
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jbtep.2022.101792

This study investigated problem-solving attitudes and state-dependent, performance-based problem-solving abilities of individuals with high trait worry as compared to those low in trait worry. Secondary objectives involved investigating the relationship between problem-solving effectiveness and processes hypothesized to influence worry and problem-solving (i.e., working memory, attentional control, emotional dysregulation, and concreteness of thought). A 2 (group: high worry, n = 68, vs. low worry, n = 66) X 2 (induction type: worry vs. neutral mentation) factorial design was employed to investigate the differential effects of state worry, and neutral mentation for comparison, on performance-based problem-solving effectiveness. Independent samples t-tests tested for group differences in self-reported problem-solving attitudes. Multiple regression analyses were used to investigate if aforementioned processes predict problem-solving effectiveness. Previous findings that individuals with high trait worry endorse greater tendencies to self-report unconstructive problem-solving attitudes were replicated. Contrary to predictions, there were no significant within or between group differences on problem-solving performance. Concreteness of problem solutions was the only consistent predictor of problem-solving effectiveness. Study did not directly assess problem-solving for personal problems. Disparities in self-appraisal may account for lack of worry-related performance differences. Findings suggest that when employing problem-solving interventions with a high worry population, emphasis should be placed on changing maladaptive problem attitudes. Nonclinical and clinical populations alike may benefit from incorporating training in concreteness in problem-solving therapy. •Degree of trait or state worry does not predict problem-solving performance.•Concreteness of problem solutions predicts problem-solving effectiveness.•Impulsivity and avoidance negatively correlate with effectiveness for high worriers.