Young people sometimes struggle to gauge the size of a problem. They either overreact to minor issues or feel overwhelmed. Fortunately, research shows that with guidance and practice, they can learn to describe their problems, assess their reactions, and find appropriate solutions.
The Size of the Problem Poster is a valuable tool for clients to determine how to respond to different situations based on their severity. It categorizes problems into five levels: tiny, small, medium, big, and emergency. Each level includes clear examples and suggests actions that match the problem’s size, which makes it easy to apply in real-life situations.
Displaying this poster prominently can help young people assess problems independently, which reduces unnecessary stress or conflict. Placing it near a feelings chart station gives them a dedicated space for reflection.
Adults can pair this poster with hands-on activities like sorting real-life scenarios into problem levels or brainstorming appropriate responses. They can also guide young people in creating a “coping skills toolbox” with simple strategies, like taking deep breaths or using positive self-talk depending on the level of the problem.
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References:
- Maker, C. J., Bahar, A. K., Pease, R., & Alfaiz, F. S. (2023). DISCOVERing and nurturing creative problem solving in young children: An exploratory study. Journal of Creativity, 33(2), 100053. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.yjoc.2023.100053
- Razali, S., Jaris, N. H., Mohamed Ali, I., Sali Rahadi Asih, Ali, N. F., Zainuddin, M. F., Abdul Wahid, N. I., Ahmad, M. I., Adnan, F., Mohamad Nasir, F. N., & Zainuddin, M. Z. (2023). Young people-social problem-solving skills: Development and psychometric properties. Environment-Behaviour Proceedings Journal, 8(26), 11-17. https://doi.org/10.21834/e-bpj.v8i26.5166
- Young people’s help-seeking behaviours: Dealing with their own versus a friend’s symptoms of poor mental health. (2020). https://doi.org/10.13056/acamh.12463
