From Problem-Solving to Responsible Decision-Making

From Problem-Solving to Responsible Decision-Making is a comprehensive and culturally responsive problem-solving approach that addresses the complexities of culture, identity, and the impact of decisions on individuals, families, and communities. It is a guide for problem-solvers seeking to make better-informed decisions in professional and personal situations. I see the usefulness of this resource for my college students who face the daunting task of making daily decisions with significant and long-lasting consequences. Counselors can use this primer to help students understand how developing self-identity and self-actualization can improve problem-solving skills. By employing the LIBRE Model (Listen, Identify, Brainstorm, Reality Test, Encourage), individuals can contextualize how their decision-making ultimately impacts not only themselves but the whole of those they care about.

Ultimately, the best decision for the individual is the decision that they can fully embrace and keeps them whole. Problem-solving can be a powerful exercise with valuable insights leading to a better understanding of yourself and your place in the community and within the family. The unique element of this text lies in its ability to provide historical familial terms so the reader can insert their family context to gauge how they might respond. In hindsight, when employing problem-solving and responsible decision-making, clarity of who the beneficiaries are becomes clear; a worthy reflection for anyone who cares about others. There is a resonant humanizing effect in understanding how difficult certain decisions can be, yet there must be an employed process of decision-making. The LIBRE Model has been used effectively for some years by counselors and individuals seeking to make responsible, efficient, and timely decisions.

Norma S. Guerra, Ph.D, is a school psychologist and a professor in the Educational Psychology department at the University of Texas at San Antonio, USA. Dr. Guerra’s research focuses on problem-solving and human development.

Abelardo Villarreal, Ph.D., is a researcher in the Academy for Teacher Excellence at the University of Texas at San Antonio, USA. Dr. Villarreal’s research interests include school change, teacher and administrator professional development, school equity, and instructional materials development.