A factor analysis of the social problem-solving inventory using polychoric correlations

The Social Problem-Solving Inventory (SPSI; D'Zurilla & Nezu, 1990) is a theory-driven instrument that was designed to measure two major. hypothesized components of the social problem-solving process: (1) problem orientation and (2) problem-solving proper. In the present study, factor analyses using polychoric correlations were performed on the total item pool of the SPSI and its two major scales and seven subscales to examine the construct validity of the theoretical model underlying this inventory. The results indicate that the SPSI is actually measuring two different kinds of problem orientation (positive and negative) and three different problem-solving styles (a rational/systematic problem-solving style, an impulsive/careless style, and an avoidant style).