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The Relationship of a Measure of Frustration Intolerance with Emotional Dysfunction in a Student Sample

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Abstract

This study extended earlier research (Harrington in Cong Ther Res 30:699–709, 2006) on the relationship of the multidimensional Frustration Discomfort Scale (FDS) with measures of depressed mood, anxiety and anger, independent of self-esteem. The study employed a non-clinical student sample (N = 323) and measures of both state and trait anger and anxiety. In addition, the Unconditional Self-Acceptance Questionnaire (USAQ) was also used to specifically assess REBT self-acceptance beliefs regarding self-worth, as well as a measure of self-esteem. A Serbian version of the FDS was developed for use in the study. Consistent with the earlier research, significant predictive relationships were found, whilst controlling for self-worth, between entitlement and anger, emotional intolerance and anxiety, and discomfort intolerance with depressed mood. Emotional intolerance also proved to be a significant positive predictor of depression, whilst achievement frustration had a negative relationship with depression. Overall, the FDS dimensions had a weaker relationship with emotional states than traits. The results are discussed in regard to the relationship between FDS dimensions and dysfunctional emotions in a non-clinical sample.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Medical College “Milutin Milanković”, Kneza Višeslava 27, 11000, Belgrade, Serbia

    Sanda Stanković

  2. Department of Psychology, Faculty of Philosophy, University of Belgrade, Čika Ljubina 18-20, 11000, Belgrade, Serbia

    Tatjana Vukosavljević-Gvozden

Authors
  1. Sanda Stanković
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  2. Tatjana Vukosavljević-Gvozden
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Correspondence to Sanda Stanković.

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The article is based on a master’s thesis by the first author under the supervision of the second author at University of Belgrade.

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Stanković, S., Vukosavljević-Gvozden, T. The Relationship of a Measure of Frustration Intolerance with Emotional Dysfunction in a Student Sample. J Rat-Emo Cognitive-Behav Ther 29, 17–34 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10942-011-0128-2

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