Frustration

Frustration is a common emotional response to opposition, related to anger, annoyance and disappointment. It arises from the perceived resistance to the fulfillment of an individual's will or goal and is likely to increase when a will or goal is denied or blocked.

Causes

There are two types of frustration; internal and external. Internal frustration may arise from challenges in fulfilling personal goals, desires, instinctual drives and needs, or dealing with perceived deficiencies, such as lack of confidence or fear of social situations. Conflict, such as when one has competing goals that interfere with one another, can also be an internal source of frustration and can stem from deep-seated personality traits and tendencies.

External causes of frustration involve conditions outside an individual's control, such as a physical roadblock, a difficult task, or the perception of wasting time. There are multiple ways individuals cope with such frustration. The coping styles may involve aggression, escape or withdrawal, persistence, or acceptance.

Effects

The frustration can have a number of effects depending on the individual's coping styles. These can include physiological effects, such as increased heartbeat and adrenaline, as well as psychological effects, such as anxiety and depression. The build-up of frustration, if not dealt with effectively, can also lead to other negative psychological outcomes such as stress and insomnia.

Management

Frustration management is about knowing how to recognize and cope with frustration in order to reduce its harmful effects. It involves techniques like stress management, relaxation, and cognitive restructuring.

See also

• Anger
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Stress management
• Relaxation techniques
• Cognitive restructuring

References

Frustration Resources
Latest articles Most recent articles Ongoing trials	Wikipedia