Frustration- Psychology

Prepared as per the syllabus of B.Sc Nursing. useful for UG Nursing Students

1. FRUSTRATION Mr.Visanth V S Sherwood College of Nursing Barabanki, UP

2. The word frustration is derived from a Latin word “frustra” which mean “in vain”. Frustration can be regarded as a negative feeling since the person feel depressed, fearful, anxious or angry during the blockage of motives. The blockage may be another person, object in the environment or the individual’s own lack of abilities. 2 Meaning

3. Definition Frustration means emotional tension resulting from the blocking of a desire or need. - Good When there is some interference with our goal directed behavior, the result is frustration. - Gilmer 3

4. 4 Frustration Motives Obstacles Goal

5. Characteristics of Frustration The emotional state developed by frustration is always unpleasant. In frustration failures dominate the attempts. T he individual feels a major block in the satisfaction of basic needs. The cause of frustration lies both in the individual and his environment. 5

6. Types of Frustration Personal Frustration: This form of frustration arises from our personal life ie , the expectation from others. Conflicting frustrations: The term conflict is used in different ways. It may be the clash between two goals, ideologies, organizations, cultures etc. 6

7. Pressure frustration: This type of frustration arises when there are more work load comes; it may be in the form of negative pressures usually in work places, educational setup etc. Environmental frustrations: If we work or study in a negative environment can produce frustrations. 7 Contd…..

8. SOURCES/ CAUSES OF FRUSTRATIONS The various causes of frustration can be broadly divided into; External Factors Internal factors 8

9. External Factors Physical Factors: These factors block the path of an individual in attaining his aims and goal; the obstacles may be a locked door, lack of money, teachers or policeman. Social Factors: Also include the part played by other person’s in blocking the doors of the motivated individual. Eg. A child may be frustrated if he denied to go for play or a picnic similarly an employee may be frustrated if he denied the promotion or incentives. Economic Factors: For example, a young man may suicide because of unemployment, a family may suicide because of poverty. 9

10. Internal Factors Physical Abnormality: Physical abnormalities like lean and thin body, dark complexion, and blind, deaf and dumb etc. may contribute to frustrations. Conflicting desires: Frustration may also arise from mutually conflicting (opposite or mutually attractive) goals. Individual’s Morality: individual’s moral standards, code of ethics may become a source of frustration to him. He is always caught between his super ego and id. When the ego fails to maintain a balance between the two the person becomes frustrated. 10

11. Internal Factors Too high level of aspiration: Human beings aspire very high in spite of their incapability or limitations. Such aspirations are bound to lead frustrations. Lack of persistence and sincerity in efforts: Frustration may be caused by one’s own weakness in putting continuous and persistent efforts with all the courage, enthusiasm and will power at one’s command. 11

12. Reaction To Frustration Simple Reactions: Simple reaction to frustration includes the following; Improving Efforts Adopting compromising means Withdrawal Submissiveness 12

13. Violent Reactions : Sometimes the individual becomes emotionally tense and resorts aggressive activities. These reactions may be; 13 External Aggression Here the person shows frustration towards the person or towards the substitute. For example an employee is denied from promotion may quarrel with his officer or rebuke his wife. Internal Aggression Here the aggression is turned towards the self. Excessive aggression towards the self is destructive for the self.

14. Measures to Face Frustration Review the situation: T ry to understand the intensity of the situation. This will help to adapt appropriate measures to reduce the frustration. Eg : Career aspiration, inter group conflicts, etc. Change our goals: S et the goals or modify the goal/desires Substitute the goals: Some of the cases the original goals may not be possible to attain. Such cases we can opt for substitute goals. Eg : A student with poor academic record may shift his option to sports or cultural activities. 14