In some cases, brain tumors can affect a person’s problem-solving abilities. This can happen due to the tumor itself or as a result of the effects of standard treatments such as chemotherapy or radiation. Rehabilitation interventions, especially through support services such as occupational therapy, aim to address these difficulties by helping survivors develop strategies to navigate daily tasks and enhance their independence (Nygård et al., 2022; Chiu et al., 2024).

Understanding Problem-Solving 

Problem-solving requires higher-level cognitive skills such as memory, attention, and decision-making. When brain tumor survivors experience impairments in these areas it can impact their ability to analyze situations, come up with effective solutions, and make decisions (Rath et al., 2011). This can lead to frustration and diminished confidence, which may impact their participation in daily activities (Rath et al., 2011).

Strategies for Enhanced Problem-Solving

Research has identified several effective approaches to address problem-solving skills:

  1. Set Clear Goals and Steps (Goal-Plan-Do-Review)

A structured approach called “Goal-Plan-Do-Review” helps survivors break down tasks into simple steps and monitor their success. This strategy involves setting a clear goal, planning steps to reach it, doing the steps, and then reviewing how well it worked. This process encourages survivors to evaluate their actions, which can build their problem-solving skills over time (Chiu et al., 2024).

  1. Use Visual Reminders and Checklists
    Visual reminders and checklists are helpful tools for keeping track of steps in a task. Survivors may use sticky notes, alarms, or written lists to cue each part of a task, making it easier to stay on track and solve problems more independently (Nygård et al., 2022).
  2. Collaborative Problem-Solving with Family or Therapists
    Survivors benefit from problem-solving exercises that involve family members or therapists. Working through issues with someone else provides a supportive environment and can improve their ability to generate and test different solutions. This support also helps survivors gain confidence in their choices and encourages independence over time (Chiu et al., 2024).
  3. Trial and Error
    Trial and error is a valuable method for problem-solving, allowing survivors to test different solutions until they find one that works. Occupational therapists encourage survivors to view mistakes as learning opportunities, which helps them build resilience and improves their ability to tackle similar challenges in the future (Rath et al., 2011).
  4. Practice Flexible Thinking
    Flexible thinking involves being open to new solutions if the first attempt does not work. Cognitive exercises that encourage survivors to consider multiple options can improve their adaptability. For example, therapists may guide survivors to ask, “What else can I try if this doesn’t work?” This skill helps survivors manage unexpected situations more effectively (Chiu et al., 2024).

Conclusion

Problem-solving can be challenging for brain tumor survivors, but strategies like structured routines, visual cues, collaborative support, trial and error, and flexible thinking may help. These approaches supported through services such as occupational therapy, give survivors practical tools to address daily challenges. Over time, using these methods can enhance survivors’ ability to navigate various situations and engage in meaningful activities with greater confidence.

References

Chiu, V., Fields, B. E., Lin, Y. N., Kang, J. H., Han, D. S., Wu, Y. H., Su, Y., Skidmore, E. R., & Chang, F. H. (2024). Implementing strategy training in Taiwan: Perspectives of individuals with acquired brain injury. Disability and Rehabilitation, 46(6), 1121-1129. https://doi.org/10.1080/09638288.2023.2191013

Nygård, L., Ryd, C., Astell, A., Nedlund, A. C., Boger, J., Mäki Petäjä-Leinonen, A., Issakainen, M., & Larsson Lund, M. (2022). Self-initiated management approaches in everyday occupations used by people with acquired cognitive impairment. Scandinavian Journal of Occupational Therapy, 29(2), 139–151. https://doi.org/10.1080/11038128.2021.1925740

Rath, J. F., Simon, D., Langenbahn, D. M., Sherr, R. L., & Diller, L. (2011). Group treatment of problem-solving deficits in outpatients with traumatic brain injury: A randomised outcome study. Neuropsychological Rehabilitation, 23(2), 267-284. https://doi.org/10.1080/09602011.2011.640470