László Kasik: Development of Social Problem-Solving – Two Longitudinal Studies

The aim of the studies was to shed light on changes in social problem-solving (SPS) among 12–14-year-olds (N=180) and 14–16-year-olds (N=149). Apart from self-assessment, adolescents were evaluated by mothers and teachers, thus allowing for an analysis of their opinions and of the ways in which family variables influence SPS at different ages. The SPSI–R (D’Zurilla et al., 2002) was used, and the following factors were considered: positive problem orientation, negative problem orientation, rational problem-solving, impulsivity and avoidance. According to the results, there were no significant differences for any of the factors among 14-year-olds in either investigation; it was thus possible to interpret the results together. Mother-child ratings were the strongest; teacher-parent ones were the weakest. Negative problem orientation became more characteristic of students, and positive problem orientation decreased. Impulsivity was already high in the first year of the study and remained so throughout. Rationality and avoidance displayed an increasing tendency. Negative problem orientation and impulsivity are mostly accounted for by mothers’ education, while rationality and positive problem orientation are explained by that of fathers. Family structure has a high explanatory value.

MAGYAR PEDAGÓGIA 115. Number 2. 139-153. (2015)

Address for correspondence: Kasik László, SZTE BTK Neveléstudományi Intézet, Neveléselmélet Tanszék, H–6722 Szeged, Petőfi Sándor sgt. 30–34.

 
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