SIGNIFICANT PREDICTORS OF PROBLEM-SOLVING APPRAISAL

Multiple regression was used to determine the unique predictive contributions of several variables to problem-solving appraisal in 2 samples comprising 443 Ss, total. Problem-solving appraisal was the dependent variable, and the following variables were possible predictors: level of problem solving skill; negative and positive coping strategies; internal-external locus of control; and a composite sum score of depression, trait anxiety, and self-concept. The combined multiple regression (SPSSX) results accounted for 50% and 41% of the variance for Samples 1 and 2, respectively, in problem-solving appraisal. The results revealed 2 consistent significant predictors: (a) positive coping strategies that seem to represent the process of doing something positively to solve problems through cognitive restructuring, focusing on the problem, and effecting interpersonal actions; and (b) global problem-solving self-efficacy.