Unfortunately, very few works are devoted to such a concept in psychology as “frustration”. This is partly due to the fact that this term is closely related to stressful reactions. Determining what frustration is, it is necessary to say that this is an emotional state that arises from a strong experience of a person who is faced with an insurmountable obstacle to the goal. Usually, this condition leads to the appearance of two opposite reactions in the behavior. On the one hand, a feeling of anger and aggressiveness may appear. On the other - hopelessness, despair, the collapse of hopes.
The concept of frustration in psychology
However, it should be noted that this term in modern scientific literature carries a different semantic load. So, quite often, talking about what frustration is, they mean a form of emotional stress. Moreover, in some articles we are talking about frustrating situations, in others - about psychic phenomena. However, the presence of a mismatch between behavior and result combines these two positions. In this case, we can say that behavioral reactions do not correspond to the situation, and this leads to the inability to achieve the goal.
Severity
Determining
what frustration is, one cannot but say about the severity of the frustration experience. It depends on two factors: personality persistence and frustration power. In addition, the
functional state of that person who turned out to be in a difficult life situation is also important. Quite often in various works, such terms in psychology as “frustration tolerance” began to be found. A person with this quality, rationally evaluates the situation, anticipates its development, does not allow the adoption of risky decisions.
The causes of frustration
In determining what frustration is, it becomes clear: it occurs whenever an obstacle (whether real or imaginary) interferes or interrupts actions aimed at achieving a specific goal or satisfying needs. Thus, this condition creates an additional protective reaction aimed at overcoming the obstacle. There are three main reasons that cause frustration states:
- Hardships. It is expressed by the lack of necessary funds to achieve the goal.
- Losses. Objects necessary for meeting the needs are lost.
- Conflict. In this case, we can talk about the simultaneous presence of twoincompatible feelings, impulses, relationships.
Types of reactions
People have different attitudes to the difficulties that have arisen, but they highlight several basic reactions.
Aggressiveness
This type is the most common. A glossary on psychology indicates that in this case, aggression is a kind of attack on a frustrating obstacle, or on an object acting as a substitute. This reaction is expressed in rudeness, bitterness, open hostility.
Retreat and Care
Sometimes a person can respond to frustration with a certain departure, which is accompanied by aggressiveness. Quite often, a number of psychological defenses are built up : sublimation, rationalization, fantasy and others.
Thus, frustration is a complex phenomenon, but inevitable for the life of every person. It plays not only a negative role, because with its help our subconscious mind rests from brain attack. This allows you to start the fight for the desired with renewed vigor.