Emotional regulation strategies and their effects on frustration intolerance: Structural Equation Modeling

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the relationships between adaptive and maladaptive strategies of emotional regulation (ER) and their effects on intolerance to frustration (FI). A non-probabilistic sample of 1066 adults (M age= 35.76, SD= 12.78, female= 838) residents of Argentina was collected and administered the Frustration Intolerance Scale (EIF) and the Cognitive Emotional Regulation Questionnaire (CERQ). Through structural equation modeling, it was determined that the ER strategy called Rumination presented the greatest effects on FI; in addition, it stood out for its mediating effects on the other maladaptive strategies. Although Acceptance, Putting in perspective and Refocusing on plans are considered adaptive ER strategies, the model developed indicates that they promote the use of maladaptive strategies. Only Positive Focusing had positive effects, thus it is concluded that it is the main strategy to reduce FI.