Depression, behavioral frustration tolerance and cognitive interpersonal problem-solving with substance abusers
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Abstract
The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between two levels of depression on both behavioral frustration tolerance and cognitive interpersonal problem-solving with substance abusers. It was proposed that the extent to which this clinical population experienced depression would determine the manner in which they functioned behaviorally and cognitively upon exposure to frustration and mastery experiences.
The sample consisted of forty substance abusers from an in-patient drug dependence treatment unit dichotomized into above-average and below-average depressed groups. A frustration-inducing task incorporating a learned helplessness event was used to assess behavioral frustration tolerance. To measure uncontrollability, a tenpoint pre and post self-report control measure was administered before and after the Learned Helplessness Behavioral Frustration Tolerance Test.
Changes in emotions were measured by the Differential Emotions Scale on a pre and post basis around the frustration and mastery experiences. The Means-Ends Problem Solving Test was used to assess the number of relevant means written after the frustration test and mastery experience.
The Learned Helplessness Behavioral Frustration Tolerance Test proved effective in both inducing a significant loss of control and a significant reduction in positive affect. Significant differences were noted on the increase of positive affect (Interest) and the decrease of negative affect (Disgust) after the mastery experience. It was also found that the increase of the factors of Anger and Distress correlated positively and significantly with the increase of depression.
Contrary to expectation, it was found that performance on both the learned helplessness behavioral frustration tolerance test and the Means-Ends Problem Solving Test was independent of their level of depression.
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Dissertation (Ph.D.)--Boston University
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