Solution-Focused Approach (SFA) as a Tool for Effective Solutions at Work

Aleksandra Szypryt, Agnieszka Meler, Aleksandra Piechówka, Hanna Ossowska, Jacek Arcyman, Zuzanna Wrońska, Dorota Godlewska-Werner

Abstract


Problem-solving is an essential skill in today’s world, one that can significantly impact the effectiveness of our actions. This article aims to examine whether there are differences in the quantity and quality of problem solutions formulated depending on their cognitive assessment. The considerations are based on the Solution-Focused Approach (SFA), which emphasizes harnessing an individual’s potential to better overcome difficulties. The study was conducted among a group of 97 people aged 18 to 77. The research problem was contained in the following questions: Are there differences in the number of solutions generated between individuals receiving resource-focused instruction, individuals receiving error-avoidance instruction, and the control group? Does the quality of solutions differ significantly between groups? The study was conducted using an online survey. Participants were automatically assigned to groups through a random distribution of the survey versions. The results showed a significant relationship between cognitive approach and the number of solutions generated between the SFA group and the avoidance-focused group, while the results in terms of quantity and the data on the quality of solutions did not show statistically significant differences between the groups. The study may be useful in the context of developing effective forms of problem-solving in both organizational and educational environments.


Keywords


problem-solving; solution-focused approach; individual’s potential; cognitive approach

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References


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DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.17951/j.2026.39.1.153-164
Date of publication: 2026-05-06 09:43:55
Date of submission: 2025-11-10 11:43:45


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Copyright (c) 2026 Aleksandra Szypryt, Agnieszka Meler, Aleksandra Piechówka, Hanna Ossowska, Jacek Arcyman, Zuzanna Wrońska, Dorota Godlewska-Werner

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