'problem-focused' originates from the combination of 'problem' and 'focused', where 'problem' comes from the Greek word 'problēma', meaning 'a task or challenge', and 'focused' comes from the Latin word 'focus', meaning 'hearth' or 'center'.

'problem-focused' evolved from the combination of the words 'problem' and 'focused', which were used separately in Middle English and later combined in modern English to describe a specific approach or mindset.

Initially, 'problem-focused' meant 'centered on a task or challenge', and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.