Frustration Intolerance Beliefs as Predictors of Emotional Problems in University Undergraduates

The present study examined the relationship between Frustration Intolerance Beliefs as suggested by the Rational Emotive Behavior
Therapy framework and emotional problems. Data were collected from 332 university undergraduate students (age 19–26) who completed
Demographic Information Sheet, Frustration Discomfort Scale and three subscales of Brief Symptom Inventory including depression,
anxiety and hostility. The current findings confirmed the association between frustration intolerance and irrational beliefs
and their respective roles in psychological distress among non-clinical student population. Results indicated that FDS subscales
were differently related to specific emotions as entitlement and emotional intolerance sub-scales were significantly positively
associated with depression, anxiety, and hostility while achievement was significantly negatively associated with hostility.
The study has implications for counsellors, school psychologists and policy makers as it highlights the importance of rational
group and individual counselling of rational ideas to reduce the emotional problems of students hindering their educational
and personal growth.