The personal problem-solving process can be functionally analyzed from a cognitive-behavioral perspective into at least four major performance classes: (1) decision making; (2) problem exploration, differentiation, and definition; (3) identification of response alternatives; and (4) performance of an intended solution response. The personal problem-solving approach is a complex chain of events that consists of innumerable cues, behaviors, critical choice points, and consequences. The functional analysis identifies major classes of behaviors, delineates various activities within each behavioral class, and identifies variables affecting differences across and within individuals. The functional analysis can provide a framework for describing how people solve real-life personal problems. (Author/JAC)