It’s too difficult! Frustration intolerance beliefs and procrastination

Abstract

Beliefs regarding intolerance of frustration are central to the theory of Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy (REBT) and are hypothesised as playing an important role in procrastination. However, there is evidence that frustration intolerance may involve several dimensions. To investigate the relative contribution of these dimensions, a multidimensional measure of frustration intolerance beliefs was employed in a student sample ( n = 86). The Frustration-Discomfort Scale included four sub-scales: discomfort intolerance, emotional intolerance, achievement frustration, and entitlement. Since REBT distinguishes frustration intolerance beliefs from those relating to self-worth, this was separately assessed using the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale. Results indicated that self-esteem, the discomfort intolerance and emotional intolerance sub-scales were correlated with the severity of procrastination. However, only discomfort intolerance and self-esteem remained unique predictors in a regression analysis. The emotional intolerance and achievement frustration sub-scales were correlated with lower procrastination frequency. The research supported the validity of the Frustration-Discomfort Scale and the usefulness of distinguishing self-esteem from frustration intolerance as well as between the dimensions of frustration intolerance.