Frustration vs Conflict
The difference between frustration and conflict is based on the feelings they evoke within an individual’s mind. Organizational psychology studies the relationship between frustration and conflict within and among individuals. These concepts should not be considered as interchangeable, but rather as two distinct states that significantly impact each other. Frustration is defined as a feeling of dissatisfaction that arises from an individual’s inability to achieve a goal. In contrast, conflict is described as a situation in which an individual struggles to make a decision due to two or more different interests, essentially a disagreement. When a person has a disagreement with themselves, it is referred to as an emotional conflict. This article will explore the differences between the two concepts.
What is Frustration?
Frustration is a feeling of dissatisfaction that results from an individual’s inability to achieve a goal. For instance, if you work hard to pass an exam but end up failing despite your efforts, you may feel frustrated. This can be seen as a normal emotional response, similar to other emotions experienced in the face of defeat. The individual may experience mixed emotions such as anger, hurt, and powerlessness. The significance of the goal to the individual is directly proportional to the degree of frustration. If the goal holds more importance, the frustration will be greater, and if the goal is less important, the frustration will be lower.
Psychologists suggest that frustration can be caused by two types of factors: internal and external. Internal factors of frustration originate from within the individual, such as personal weaknesses, confidence issues, or personal dilemmas. External factors of frustration refer to outside influences, such as working conditions, co-workers, or deadlines.
In organizational psychology, a small degree of frustration can be seen as a motivator. However, there are situations where frustration can lead to negative outcomes, such as aggression towards co-workers.
What is Conflict?
Conflict is a condition where an individual faces difficulty in making a decision due to two or more competing interests. For example, a student who is unsure about their future may struggle to decide whether to pursue higher education or start working due to financial difficulties. This situation creates an internal conflict within the individual, which can also be viewed as an emotional state where a person is in a dilemma.
Psychologists believe that such an emotional conflict can lead to frustration, demonstrating the link between frustration and conflict. Conflict can be associated with physical discomforts, such as insomnia, headaches, or loss of appetite. People often use defense mechanisms when faced with emotional conflicts, such as projection or displacement.
Conflicts can also arise between two or more people. For example, if an individual is not given the resources to achieve a goal by another person, it can lead to a conflict. In this sense, frustration can lead to a state of conflict.
What is the difference between Frustration and Conflict?
• Definitions of Frustration and Conflict:
    • Frustration is defined as a feeling of dissatisfaction that arises from an individual’s inability to achieve a goal.
    • Conflict is defined as a condition where an individual faces difficulty in making a decision due to two or more competing interests.
• Dissatisfaction and Disagreement:
    • Frustration is a feeling of dissatisfaction.
    • Conflict is a disagreement.
• External Frustration and Conflict:
    • Frustration can lead to conflicts when the cause of frustration is external.
• Internal Conflict and Frustration:
    • Internal conflicts, or emotional conflicts within an individual, can lead to frustration.
Key Takeaways
- Frustration is a feeling of dissatisfaction that stems from an individual’s inability to achieve a goal, while conflict is a condition where an individual faces difficulty in making a decision due to two or more competing interests.
- Internal and external factors can cause frustration, whereas conflicts can arise within an individual or between two or more people.
- Frustration and conflict are interconnected, as internal conflicts can lead to frustration, and external frustration can lead to conflicts.
