Part 8: Problem-Solving Skills Training

Problem-Solving Skills Training (PSST) is a therapeutic intervention that teaches children with conduct problems how to approach interpersonal situations. Treatment consists of 12 to 20 weekly individual sessions, approximately 30 to 50 minutes each. Children are taught a step-by-step approach to solving interpersonal problems: PSST is designed to help children learn to slow down, stop and think, and generate multiple solutions to any situation. The program uses a cognitive-behavioral approach to teach techniques for managing thoughts and feelings and interacting appropriately with others.

PSST is a straightforward and effective program that can be implemented by a parent and child in a self-help fashion. However, it becomes even more effective when implemented with the guidance of a therapist. This comprehensive program is not only effective in treating behavior problems, ADHD, and anxiety but also in building social skills, ensuring that all the needs of the child are being addressed.

Welcome to the Problem-Solving Skills Training (PSST) exercise, a comprehensive guide designed to help children develop essential problem-solving skills. This exercise is structured into five steps, each focusing on a specific problem-solving aspect. Let's dive in! 

The reward System is a key component of the PSST process. At the beginning of each session, you, as the adult, issue the child 20 chips. The child can earn additional chips for improvement and effort throughout the session and lose chips for mistakes such as forgetting a step, creating a negative solution, or rushing. If you and the child agree on the same rating at the end of the session, the child earns two extra chips. This system is designed to reinforce positive behavior and motivate the child to actively participate in the PSST process.

Set up a menu of items for exchanging chips. This could include small toys, stickers, extra playtime, or any other appropriate and motivating rewards for the child. At the end of each session, the child can exchange their earned chips for these rewards.

PSST Model

1. Step 1: “What am I supposed to do?”: This step involves identifying the problem that needs to be solved.

2. Step 2 - “What could I do?” This step involves brainstorming possible solutions to the problem. Create three positive solutions.

3. Step 3 - “What would happen?”: This step involves predicting the possible outcomes of each solution—alternate steps [2] and [3] three times.

1. Step [2] “What could I do? 

2. Step [3], “What would happen,” 

3. Alternate [2] and [3] a total of three times

4. Step 4— “I have to make a choice.” This step involves choosing the best solution from the generated ones.

5. Step 5 - “I need to find out how I did.”: 

1. Did the child start immediately?

2. Go slow! 

3. Create three positive solutions. 

6. Role-play the Solution: The adult and child role-play the chosen solution. This helps the child understand how to implement the solution in a real-life scenario.

7. Rate the Session: At the end of the session, the therapist and the child rate the session independently. Use the following scale: 3 = Excellent, 2 = Good, 1 = Needs Improvement. If the therapist and child agree, the child earns two chips.

8. Exchange Chips for Rewards: Remember, PSST aims to help children develop problem-solving skills that they can use daily. It’s important to be patient and supportive throughout the process. Good luck! 😊

Step Memorization

Game 1: Find the Problem-Solving Steps

Here’s a fun and interactive game called “Find the Problem-Solving Steps” that can help children memorize the steps of the Problem-Solving Skills Training (PSST) exercise:

Materials Needed:

• Five index cards

• A marker

• A small prize or reward

Preparation:

1. Write each of the five steps of the PSST exercise on an index card:

• Card 1: “What am I supposed to do?”

• Card 2: “What could I do?”

• Card 3: “What would happen?”

• Card 4: “I have to make a choice.”

• Card 5: “I need to find out how I did.”

Game Instructions:

1. Step 1 - Shuffle and Hide: Shuffle the index cards and hide them around the room.

2. Step 2—Ready, Set, Go! When you say “Go!” The child searches for the index cards.

3. Step 3 - Find and Order: As the child finds each card, they must place it in the correct order of the problem-solving steps. They can use their memory or a reference sheet to help them.

4. Step 4—Check and Correct: Check the sequence once all cards are found and ordered. If the order is incorrect, allow the child to correct it.

5. Step 5 - Reward: If the child correctly orders all the steps, they win the game and receive a small prize or reward.

Game 2: “Problem-Solving Steps Puzzle”

Here’s Another game called “Problem-Solving Steps Puzzle” that can help children memorize the steps of the Problem-Solving Skills Training (PSST) exercise:

Materials Needed:

• five pieces of paper or cardstock

• A marker

• Scissors

• A small prize or reward

Preparation:

1. Write each of the five steps of the PSST exercise on a separate piece of paper or cardstock:

• Paper 1: “What am I supposed to do?”

• Paper 2: “What could I do?”

• Paper 3: “What would happen?”

• Paper 4: “I have to make a choice.”

• Paper 5: “I need to find out how I did.”

2. Cut each piece of paper into puzzle pieces. The number of pieces can vary depending on the child’s age and skill level.

Game Instructions:

1. Step 1 - Mix and Scatter: Mix and scatter all the puzzle pieces on a table or the floor.

2. Step 2—Puzzle Time: The child assembles each step’s puzzle. Once a puzzle is completed, the child reads the step aloud.

3. Step 3 - Order the Steps: After completing all the puzzles, the child arranges the steps correctly.

4. Step 4 - Check and Correct: Check the sequence of the steps. If the order is incorrect, allow the child to correct it.

5. Step 5 - Reward: If the child correctly orders all the steps, they win the game and receive a small prize or reward.

Game 3: “Problem-Solving Steps Treasure Hunt”

Here’s a third game called “Problem-Solving Steps Treasure Hunt” that can help children memorize the steps of the Problem-Solving Skills Training (PSST) exercise:

Materials Needed:

• A large poster board or a series of connected papers

• Markers or colored pencils

• Stickers or stamps

• A die (singular of dice)

• Game pieces (could be small toys or coins)

Preparation:

1. Draw a pathway on the poster board with spaces leading from the start to the finish.

2. Write one of the five PSST steps on random spaces along the pathway.

3. Place a sticker or stamp on the spaces that don’t have a PSST step written on them.

Game Instructions:

1. Step 1 - Start the Journey: Each child places their game piece at the start of the pathway.

2. Step 2 - Roll and Move: Children take turns rolling the die and moving their game piece to the corresponding number of spaces.

3. Step 3 - Recite the Step: When a child lands on a space with a PSST step, they must recite the step from memory.

4. Step 4 - Collect Stickers: If they land on a space with a sticker or stamp, they collect it.

5. Step 5 - Reach the Finish: The first child to reach the end of the pathway wins the game.

PSST Social problems – Home

Scenario - Sharing Toys: A younger sibling always plays with the child’s toys without asking, leading to arguments and fights.

• PSST Application: The child could identify the problem (e.g., a sibling taking toys), brainstorm potential solutions (e.g., asking a sibling to ask before taking toys, setting up a toy-sharing schedule, having separate toys), consider the outcomes of each solution, make a choice, and then evaluate the results.

2. Scenario - Homework Time: The child is having trouble concentrating on homework because the house is too noisy.

• PSST Application: The child could identify the problem (noise during homework time), brainstorm potential solutions (ask for quiet during homework time, use headphones to block out noise, do homework at a different time), consider the outcomes of each solution, make a choice, and then evaluate the results.

3. Scenario - Chores Disagreement: The child feels they are doing more chores than their siblings, leading to unfairness.

• PSST Application: The child could identify the problem (unequal distribution of chores), brainstorm potential solutions (discuss feelings with parents, suggest a chore chart, trade chores with siblings), consider the outcomes of each solution, make a choice, and then evaluate the results.

1. Scenario - Bedtime Battles: The child doesn’t want to go to bed at the set bedtime, leading to nightly conflicts.

• PSST Application: The child could identify the problem (resisting bedtime), brainstorm potential solutions (e.g., negotiating a later bedtime, establishing a calming bedtime routine, earning rewards for going to bed on time), consider the outcomes of each solution, make a choice, and then evaluate the results.

2. Scenario - Screen Time Disputes: The child wants more screen time than the parents allow, causing disagreements.

• PSST Application: The child could identify the problem (limited screen time), brainstorm potential solutions (suggest a screen schedule, earn extra screen time by doing chores, find other fun activities to do), consider the outcomes of each solution, make a choice, and then evaluate the results.

3. Scenario - Food Fights: The child doesn’t want to eat the healthy food served at meals.

• PSST Application: The child could identify the problem (disliking healthy food), brainstorm potential solutions (try cooking a new recipe together, allow the child to choose one meal a week, mix the healthy food with something they like), consider the outcomes of each solution, make a choice, and then evaluate the results.

4. Scenario - Sibling Rivalry: The child constantly argues with a sibling, creating a tense atmosphere at home.

• PSST Application: The child could identify the problem (frequent arguments with a sibling), brainstorm potential solutions (find common interests to bond over, set boundaries for personal space, use a timer to share toys), consider the outcomes of each solution, make a choice, and then evaluate the results.

Social Problems: School

1. Scenario - Difficulty Understanding Lessons: The child needs help understanding the material being taught in class.

• PSST Application: The child could identify the problem (difficulty understanding lessons), brainstorm potential solutions (ask the teacher for extra help, find a study group, use additional learning resources), consider the outcomes of each solution, make a choice, and then evaluate the results.

2. Scenario - Feeling Overwhelmed with Homework: The child feels that the amount of homework given is too much and is causing stress.

• PSST Application: The child could identify the problem (too much homework), brainstorm potential solutions (talk to the teacher about the workload, improve time management skills, seek help from a tutor), consider the outcomes of each solution, make a choice, and then evaluate the results.

3. Scenario - Conflict with a Teacher: The child has disagreed or misunderstood a teacher.

• PSST Application: The child could identify the problem (conflict with a teacher), brainstorm potential solutions (have a respectful conversation with the teacher, ask a school counselor for advice, write a letter expressing their feelings), consider the outcomes of each solution, make a choice, and then evaluate the results.

4. Scenario - Lack of Participation in Class: The child must be more open and willing to participate in class discussions or activities.

• PSST Application: The child could identify the problem (lack of participation), brainstorm potential solutions (practice speaking up at home, join a club to build confidence, talk to the teacher about their fears), consider the outcomes of each solution, make a choice, and then evaluate the results.

1. Scenario - Bullying: The child is being bullied by a classmate.

• PSST Application: The child could identify the problem (being bullied), brainstorm potential solutions (report the bullying to a teacher, stand up to the bully, seek support from friends), consider the outcomes of each solution, make a choice, and then evaluate the results.

2. Scenario - Peer Pressure: The child feels pressured by friends to engage in uncomfortable behavior.

• PSST Application: The child could identify the problem (peer pressure), brainstorm potential solutions (talk to the friends about their feelings, seek advice from a trusted adult, find new friends who respect their boundaries), consider the outcomes of each solution, make a choice, and then evaluate the results.

3. Scenario - Difficulty Making Friends: The child has trouble making friends at school.

• PSST Application: The child could identify the problem (difficulty making friends), brainstorm potential solutions (join a club or team, start conversations with classmates, be kind and helpful to others), consider the outcomes of each solution, make a choice, and then evaluate the results.

4. Scenario - Poor Performance in a Subject: The child struggles with a particular subject at school.

• PSST Application: The child could identify the problem (poor performance in a subject), brainstorm potential solutions (ask the teacher for extra help, study more at home, get a tutor), consider the outcomes of each solution, make a choice, and then evaluate the results.

Social Problems: Neighborhood peers

Here are some examples of social problems a child might face with peers outside of school, which can be addressed using the Problem-Solving Skills Training (PSST) steps:

1. Scenario - Neighborhood Disputes: The child has disagreements or conflicts with neighborhood friends during playtime.

• PSST Application: The child could identify the problem (disputes with neighborhood friends), brainstorm potential solutions (discuss the issue calmly, involve an adult, find a compromise), consider the outcomes of each solution, make a choice, and then evaluate the results.

2. Scenario - Exclusion from Peer Group: The child feels left out or excluded from a group of friends.

• PSST Application: The child could identify the problem (feeling excluded), brainstorm potential solutions (talk to the friends about their feelings, find new friends, engage in activities that boost self-confidence), consider the outcomes of each solution, make a choice, and then evaluate the results.

3. Scenario - Online Bullying: The child is experiencing bullying or negative behavior from peers on social media or online games.

• PSST Application: The child could identify the problem (online bullying), brainstorm potential solutions (report the behavior to a trusted adult, block the bully, report the behavior to the platform), consider the outcomes of each solution, make a choice, and then evaluate the results.

4. Scenario - Pressure to Break Rules: The child’s friends press them to do something they know is wrong, like trespassing or shoplifting.

• PSST Application: The child could identify the problem (pressure to break the rules), brainstorm potential solutions (stand up to peer pressure, explain the potential consequences, distance themselves from these friends), consider the outcomes of each solution, make a choice, and then evaluate the results.

1. Scenario - Teamwork Issues: The child needs help working with their sports team or scout group.

• PSST Application: The child could identify the problem (difficulty with teamwork), brainstorm potential solutions (improve communication skills, ask the coach or leader for advice, try to understand other team members’ perspectives), consider the outcomes of each solution, make a choice, and then evaluate the results.

2. Scenario - Feeling Overlooked: The child feels they’re not getting enough playing time in sports or not being given essential roles in scouts.

• PSST Application: The child could identify the problem (feeling overlooked), brainstorm potential solutions (talk to the coach or leader about their feelings, demonstrate their skills and commitment, support the team or group in other ways), consider the outcomes of each solution, make a choice, and then evaluate the results.

3. Scenario - Conflict with a Peer: The child disagrees or conflicts with another sports team or scout group member.

• PSST Application: The child could identify the problem (conflict with a peer), brainstorm potential solutions (have a respectful conversation with the peer, involve an adult, find a compromise), consider the outcomes of each solution, make a choice, and then evaluate the results.

4. Scenario - Pressure to Perform: The child feels stressed or anxious about performing well in sports or achieving badges in scouts.

• PSST Application: The child could identify the problem (pressure to perform), brainstorm potential solutions (practice stress management techniques, set realistic goals, seek support from teammates or fellow scouts), consider the outcomes of each solution, make a choice, and then evaluate the results.

Customize scenarios to your child's needs.

In conclusion, the PSST exercise is a comprehensive guide designed to help children develop essential problem-solving skills. The training is structured into five steps, each focusing on a specific problem-solving aspect. The steps include identifying the problem, brainstorming possible solutions, predicting the potential outcomes of each solution, choosing the best solution, and evaluating the results. The exercise also includes a reward system to motivate and encourage children to improve their problem-solving skills.

The information provided herein is for educational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional advice. If you are concerned about your child's mental health or behavior, seek guidance from a qualified mental health provider.

#ODDparentingtips; #ODDmentalhealthmatters; #parentingchallenges

References

Kazdin, A. E. (2008). Underlying Principles and Concepts. In Parent Management Training: Treatment for Oppositional, Aggressive, and Antisocial Behavior in Children and Adolescents. Oxford University Press. 

Kazdin, A. E. (2008). Underlying Principles and Concepts. In Parent Management Training: Treatment for Oppositional, Aggressive, and Antisocial Behavior in Children and Adolescents. Oxford University Press. 

Kazdin, A. E., & Rotella, C. (2009). The Kazdin method for parenting the defiant child: With no pills, no therapy, no contest of wills. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. 

Kazdin, A. E., & Rotella, C. (2013). Everyday parenting toolkit: The Kazdin method for easy, step-by-step, lasting change for you and your child. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. 

Important Note: The information in this blog series is intended for educational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional advice from a qualified healthcare provider. If you suspect your child may have ODD or any other mental health condition, please consult with a mental health professional for diagnosis and treatment recommendations.