Abstract

Abstract This paper aims to draw together ideas from transactional approaches to stress, problem solving theory and psychotherapeutic experience in order to develop a diagnostic framework of problem solving and stress. Using an essentially conceptual approach attention is focussed upon issues of particular importance for diagnosing the reasons why and processes by which people become distressed when confronted with problems. Three main subjects are addressed in the paper: first, the nature of problems; second, priorities among problems; third, an information processing model of problem solving and stress is then developed. Finally, the paper concludes with a description of how this model can aid the diagnostic process.