Problem-Solving Skills Self-Assessment

I often feel overwhelmed by problems and don’t know where to start in solving them.

Example: The aftermath of narcissistic abuse is fraught with problems – emotional distress, broken trust, self-esteem issues, to name a few. You may feel so overwhelmed by these problems that you find yourself frozen and unable to take the first step in addressing them.

I tend to avoid dealing with problems until they become very serious.

Example: You’ve been feeling more anxious lately due to the unresolved issues with your relationship. You tend to push these feelings aside and not address the problem until it escalates into a huge argument.

I find it challenging to identify the root cause of a problem.

Example: You find yourself arguing with your friend repeatedly about the same issues. Even though you want to solve the problem, you find it hard to identify what the real issue is behind these arguments.

I have difficulty breaking down complex problems into smaller, manageable parts.

Example: You’re struggling to recover from the emotional abuse. The process feels so huge and overwhelming that you don’t know how to break it down into manageable steps that could help you heal.

I struggle to come up with multiple solutions to a problem.

Example: Whenever a conflict arises in your relationship, you struggle to find ways to resolve it. Instead of brainstorming various possible solutions, you find yourself either avoiding the problem or insisting on a single solution.

I tend to decide on a solution quickly, without considering all possible options.

Example: After an argument with your partner, you immediately decide to stop talking to them, without considering other options such as seeking professional help, discussing the issue calmly, or setting boundaries.

I find it hard to evaluate the potential impact of different solutions before making a decision.

Example: When faced with decisions like whether to confront your abusive partner, you struggle to weigh the possible outcomes. You might act impulsively without considering the potential consequences.

I have a tendency to focus more on the problem itself than on potential solutions.

Example: You might find yourself ruminating over the pain caused by narcissistic abuse, to the point where it becomes hard for you to think about steps you can take to move forward.

I find it difficult to adjust my approach when a solution isn’t working.

Example: If you decided to cut off contact with the abusive individual but still find yourself feeling depressed, you might struggle to consider trying other coping mechanisms, like seeking therapy or joining a support group.

I struggle to stay composed when faced with stressful problems.

Example: When an unexpected problem arises, like your abusive ex-partner reaching out to you again, you may feel a rush of panic and anxiety instead of being able to calmly assess the situation and decide on the best course of action.