What is frustration: concept, severity, types of reactions

Unfortunately, very little work has been devoted to this concept in psychology, as "frustration". This is partly due to the fact that this term is closely related to stress reactions. Defining what frustration is, it is necessary to say that this is an emotional state that arises from a strong experience of a person who has faced an insurmountable obstacle to the goal. Usually, this state leads to the appearance of two opposite reactions in the behavior. On the one hand, there can be a feeling of anger, aggressiveness. On the other - despair, despair, the collapse of hopes.

The concept of frustration in psychology

At the same time, it should be noted that this term in modern scientific literature carries a different semantic load. So, quite often, talking about what is frustration, they mean the form of emotional stress. At the same time in some articles we are talking about frustrating situations, in others - about psychic phenomena. However, these two positions combine the presence of a discrepancy between behavior and result. In this case, it can be said that behavioral reactions do not correspond to the situation, and this leads to the impossibility of achieving the goal.

Degree of severity of state

Determining what frustration is, one can not help but say about the degree of acuity of frustration experience. It depends on two factors: the strength of the person and the power of the frustrator. In addition, the functional state of the person who found herself in a difficult life situation turns out to be important. Quite often in various works began to meet and such terms in psychology, as "frustration tolerance." A person who has this quality, rationally assesses the situation, foresees its development, does not allow the adoption of risky decisions.

The causes of frustration states

In determining what frustration is, it becomes clear: it arises whenever an obstacle (whether real or imagined) hinders or interrupts actions aimed at achieving a specific goal or satisfying needs. Thus, this state creates an additional defensive reaction aimed at overcoming the obstacle that has arisen. There are three main causes that cause frustration states:

1. Deprivation. It is expressed by the lack of the necessary means to achieve the goal.
2. Losses. The objects, objects necessary for satisfaction of needs are lost.
3. Conflict. In this case, we can talk about the simultaneous presence of two Incompatible with each other feelings, motivations, relationships.

Types of reactions

People react differently to the difficulties that have arisen, but several main reactions are singled out.

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, anger, open dislike.

Retreat and Care

Sometimes a person can react to frustration by some kind of care, 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 it our subconscious mind rests from brainstorming. This allows you to begin to fight for what you want with renewed vigor.