Comparative Assessment of Frustration Discomfort Tolerance of Elderly and Young People

Objective: To assess the frustration discomfort tolerance of elderly people and young people. Methodology: The study was carried out among 100 young people aged less than 40 years and 100 elderly people aged more than 60 years in Kerala State, India using a questionnaire containing the measure of frustration discomfort tolerance and the strength with which they hold the beliefs included in it. The data was analysed as proportion, score and through statistical test. Results: Young people have comparatively more tolerance for frustration discomfort beliefs than elderly people, with youngsters having a lower and statistically significant mean frustration discomfort belief score than elderly people. Beliefs related to the demanding nature of jobs of youngsters such as - cannot stand being prevented from achieving one’s full potential, cannot bear the frustration of not achieving one’s goal, cannot tolerate lowering one’s standards even when it would be useful to do so etc. are held more strongly by young people than elders. However, beliefs such as - requiring the easiest way around a problem, must be absolutely free of disturbing feelings quickly, cannot stand others acting against one’s wishes etc., which cannot be expected much from youngsters, considering their competitive and demanding nature of jobs are held strongly by less number of them than elders, who may be mostly leading a restful life. Conclusion: The demanding nature of jobs of young people, who get accustomed to handling unfavourable situations more than elderly people, who mostly lead a restful life possibly explain the outcomes of the study. Such studies will be useful for devising measures to overcome frustration and reduce mental disorders and treatment.