is an integral part of the study of the relationship between psychological factors and physical health. Frustration is defined as a negative emotional state that occurs when a person encounters obstacles that prevent him from achieving his goals, realizing his desires or satisfying his needs. Frustration is divided into several types, which differ in their source and nature, and each type has a specific impact on psychosomatic health.
1) Frustration caused by external obstacles (failures at work, economic pressure or social restrictions) implies that a person faces some external conditions that prevent him from achieving his goals. This type of frustration often leads to increased psychological stress, stimulating autonomic nervous system responses and the release of stress hormones (cortisol and adrenaline), which increases the likelihood of experiencing physical symptoms: high blood pressure, gastrointestinal disorders, headaches, and heart problems.2) Frustration caused by internal obstacles (low self-esteem, chronic anxiety or negative attitudes) affects a person’s ability to achieve their goals. This type of frustration increases the concentration on personal failures and leads to the accumulation of psychological stress, which weakens psychological stability and self-efficacy, making the body more susceptible to chronic psychosomatic disorders, since the body’s vital systems are under constant psychological influence.
3) Chronic or persistent frustration – occurs when a person encounters repetitive or long-term obstacles that prevent them from consistently achieving their goals. This type of frustration poses a greater risk to psychosomatic health, as it leads to exhaustion of the nervous and endocrine systems, the accumulation of stress hormones and a weakened immune system, which increases the likelihood of developing chronic diseases (cardiovascular disease, asthma, chronic migraines and gastrointestinal disorders). Repetitive or persistent frustration can develop into serious psychosomatic disorders.
4) Acute or sudden frustration – arises as a result of a sudden and unforeseen situation that prevents the achievement of an important goal. This can lead to serious and immediate physiological reactions: a temporary increase in blood pressure, heart palpitations, or sudden muscle pain.