frustration

Frustration is an emotional state that arises when a goal or desired outcome is blocked, thwarted, or uncertain. It commonly includes disappointment, irritability, and a sense of blockage. Frustration is a normal, everyday experience rather than a disorder.

Causes include blocked progress toward a goal, delays, scarce resources, conflicting demands, and a perceived lack of control. Cultural norms and individual expectations shape how frustration is experienced and expressed.

Cognition plays a central role: people assess the importance of the obstacle, their control over it, and the likelihood of success. Physiologically, frustration can raise arousal, increase heart rate, and tense muscles, influencing behavior.

Effects vary with context. In learning and work, frustration may hinder performance or, if managed well, promote problem solving. Chronic frustration can contribute to stress and affect mood or motivation.

Coping strategies include clarifying goals, breaking tasks into steps, adjusting expectations, seeking social support, and using emotion regulation such as reappraisal. Proactive problem solving tends to reduce the negative impact of frustrating experiences.