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DOC/714S v1
Problem Statement Guide
The problem in a doctoral dissertation is the most critical component of the study. The problem explains
the rationale for the study and validates its importance. Below are the steps for writing a problem
statement. At the end of this guide, you will have the opportunity to create your own problem statement.
Step 1. Provide background information.
Step 2. State the problem.
Step 3. Provide scholarly support for the problem.
Step 4. Indicate the potential benefit of addressing the problem.
Sample Problem Statement
Breast cancer and the harsh treatment for the disease affects not only patients but also their caretakers.
Caregivers face physical and mental challenges while continuing to assume significant caretaking
responsibilities. Caregiving often becomes a full-time responsibility, which can last for many years. In the
instance of a wife with breast cancer, husbands are often the primary caregiver. A majority of caregivers
report that caregiving is a burden physically, psychologically, economically, socially, and personally
(LeSeure & Chongkham-ang, 2015). The problem is that male caregivers have a demanding and
exhausting caretaking schedule resulting in failure to practice their own good self-care (LeSeure &
Chongkham-ang, 2015). According to Family Caregiver Alliance (2018), many caregivers are aware that
taking care of their own health means providing better care for the patient, but caregivers often feel guilty
when choosing themselves first. As a result of failing to take care of themselves, caregivers often become
psychologically and physically ill, reducing their ability to care for their ailing spouse (LeSeure &
Chongkham-ang, 2015). Gaining male caregivers’ perspectives on barriers preventing good self-care
could lead to the development of interventions and resources for male caregivers to begin practicing good
self-care.
Breaking it Down Step by Step
Provide Background Information
Briefly introduce the problem to provide context for the reader.
Breast cancer and the harsh treatment for the disease affects not only patients but their caretakers.
Caregivers face physical and mental challenges while still assuming caretaking responsibilities.
Caregiving often becomes a full-time responsibility, which can last for many years. In the instance of a
wife with breast cancer, husbands are often the primary caregiver. A majority of care givers report that
caregiving is a burden physically, psychologically, economically, socially, and personally (LeSeure &
Chongkham-ang, 2015).
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Problem Statement Guide
DOC/714S v1
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State the Problem
State the problem including the consequence(s) of the problem.
Remember: Without a consequence, you don’t have a problem, you have a situation.
The problem is that _________ (state problem) resulting in __________ (consequence of the problem).
The problem is that male caregivers have a demanding and exhausting caretaking schedule resulting
in failure to practice good self-care (LeSeure & Chongkham-ang, 2015).
Provide Scholarly Support for the Problem
Support the problem with literature illustrating the consequences of the problem.
According to Family Caregiver Alliance (2018) caregivers are aware that taking care of their own health
means providing better care for the patient, but caregivers often feel guilty when choosing themselves
first. By not taking care of themselves, caregivers become psychologically and physically ill reducing
their ability to care for their ailing spouse (LeSeure & Chongkham-ang, 2015).
Indicate the Potential Benefit of Addressing the Problem
Indicate potential benefits to people, organizations, society, etc., for addressing the problem.
Gaining male caregivers’ perspectives on barriers preventing good self-care could lead to the
development of interventions and resources for male caregivers to begin practicing good self-care.
Problem Statement Worksheet
Now it’s your turn. Create your problem statement!
Briefly provide background to provide context for the reader in the box below.
Example: Breast cancer and the harsh treatment for the disease affects not only patients but their
caretakers. Caregivers face physical and mental challenges while still assuming caretaking
responsibilities. Caregiving often becomes a full-time responsibility which can last for many years. In
the instance of a wife with breast cancer, husbands are often the primary caregiver. A majority of care
givers report that caregiving is a burden physically, psychologically, economically, socially, and
personally (LeSeure & Chongkham-ang, 2015).
Copyright 2020 by University of Phoenix. All rights reserved.
Problem Statement Guide
DOC/714S v1
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State the problem including the consequence(s) of the problem in the boxes below. Remember:
Without a consequence, you don’t have a problem, you have a situation.
The general problem is:
Resulting in:
Example: The problem is that male caregivers have a demanding and exhausting caretaking schedule
resulting in failure to practice good self-care (LeSeure & Chongkham-ang, 2015).
Support the problem with literature illustrating the consequences of the problem in the box below.
Example: According to Family Caregiver Alliance (2018) caregivers are aware taking care of their own
health means providing better care for the patient, but caregivers often feel guilty when choosing
themselves first. By not taking care of themselves, caregivers become psychologically and physically ill
reducing their ability to care for their ailing spouse (LeSeure & Chongkham-ang, 2015).
Indicate potential benefits to people, organizations, society, etc. for addressing the problem in the
box below.
Example: Gaining male caregivers’ perspectives on barriers preventing good self-care could lead to the
development of interventions and resources for male caregivers to begin practicing good self-care.
Putting it all Together
Now, write your Problem Statement in paragraph form.
References
LeSeure, P. & Chongkham-Ang, S. (2015). The experience of caregivers living with cancer patients: A
systematic review and meta-synthesis. Journal of Personalized Medicine, 5(4), 406-439.
Copyright 2020 by University of Phoenix. All rights reserved.
Problem Statement Guide
DOC/714S v1
Page 4 of 4
Family Caregiver Alliance. (2018). Programs and services overview. Retrieved from
https://www.caregiver.org/programs-and-services-overview
Copyright 2020 by University of Phoenix. All rights reserved.