deficiency of self-efficacy in problem-solving as a contributory factor in family instability in yazd (iran): a qualitative study

Objective: problem-solving ability is one of the most important means of family stability that enables the families to understand their roles, functions, and performances. self-efficacy deficiency in problem-solving runs through many families. this qualitative study was conducted to investigate and describe how couples solve problems in their families. method: this study was conducted to detect couples’ self-efficacy deficiency in problem-solving using purposive sampling method. several deep semi-structured interviews based on mcmaster model and observations were conducted by nine family therapists and psychiatrists on four couples (eight persons) living in yazd (iran).the interviews were performed, audio-recorded, and transcribed verbatim. the analysis was interpreted through directed content analysis methods. results: families in yazd (iran) made some attempts to solve their problems, but their efforts were not enough, and thus they suffered from self-efficacy deficiency, which included 8 categories. the main theme distilled from the data of 17 participants was self-efficacy deficiency, which included the following categories: avoidance, insolvency, interference from others, ineffective self-treatment, behavioral problems, stubbornness, superficiality, and denial . conclusion: it is of paramount importance to identify self-efficacy deficiency in families and promote problem- solving programs to increase family stability. in the present study, the main deficiencies in problem-solving were detected.