Nancy Virden (c)2026 AlwaysTheFight.com The following quiz is borrowed from Cleveland Heights Behavioral Health Hospital in Northeast Ohio.

I am attending an IOP group. We took this quiz earlier this week. A score of 12+ in any category means you may strongly operate in that way of problem-solving. Is your style working for you?

Rate the following statements on a scale of: Not at all true of me (1 point), Somewhat true of me (2 points), Moderately true of me (3 points), True of me (4 points), Very true of me (5 points).

1. I feel afraid when I have an important problem to solve
2. When making decisions, I think carefully about my many options
3. I get nervous and unsure of myself when I have to make an important decision
4. When my first efforts to solve a problem fail, I give up quickly, because finding a solution is too difficult
5. Sometimes, even difficult problems can have a way of moving my life forward in positive ways
6. If I avoid problems, they will generally take care of themselves
7. When I am unsuccessful at solving, I get very frustrated
8. If I work at it, I can learn to solve problems effectively
9. When faced with a problem, before deciding what to do, I carefully try to understand why it is a problem by sorting it out, breaking it down, and defining it
10. I try to do anything I can to avoid problems in my life
11. Difficult problems make me very emotional
12. When I have a decision to make, I take the time to try to predict the positive and negative consequences of each possible option before I act
13. When I am trying to solve a problem, I often rely on instinct with the first good idea that comes to mind
14. When I am upset, I just want to run away and be left alone
15. I can make important decisions on my own
16. I frequently react before I have all the facts about a problem
17. After coming up with an idea of how to solve a problem, I work out a plan to carry it out successfully
18. I am very creative about coming up with ideas when solving problems
19. I spend more time worrying about problems than actually solving them
20. My goal for solving problems is to stop negative feelings as quickly as I can
21. I try to avoid any trouble with others to keep problems to a minimum
22. As soon as someone upsets me or hurts my feelings, I always react the same way
23. When I am trying to figure out a problem, it helps me to stick to the facts of the situation
24. In my opinion, being systematic nd planful with personal problems seems too cold or “business-like.”
25. I understand that emotions, even bad ones, can actually be helpful to my efforts at problem-solving

Do you have a…

Positive Orientation toward problem-solving? Add your ratings for numbers 5, 8, 15, 23, 25

Negative Orientation toward problem-solving? Add your ratings for numbers 1,3, 7, 11, 16

Positive Strategy (Planful problem-solving)? Add your ratings for numbers 2, 9,12, 17, 18

Negative Strategy (Avoidance)? Add your ratings for numbers 6, 10, 14,19, 21

(Impulsive)? Add your ratings for numbers 4, 13, 18, 22, 24

Remember, A score of 12+ in any category means you may strongly operate in that style of problem-solving.

Which problem-solving tactic is most effective for you? What would you like to change about your problem-solving skills?

-COMMENTS WELCOME

Today’s Helpful Word

James 3:17

But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace-loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and the fruit of good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere.

If you are feeling suicidal or concerned about someone who is, in the U.S., call 988, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. For a list of international suicide hotlines, go here.

If you are suicidal with a plan, immediately call 911 in the U.S. or go to your nearest emergency room; in the EU, call 112. (For other international emergency numbers, go here.) Hope and help are yours!

Always the Fight Ministries (ATFM) has been displaying compassion for those fighting mental illness, addiction, or abuse since 2012. Nancy is the founder and voice of ATFM and openly shares her emotional resurrection from despair. 

NOTE: Nancy is not a doctor or a mental health professional and speaks only from personal experience and observations. This website is not intended to substitute for professional mental or behavioral health care.

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