Frustration Tolerance
What does “frustration tolerance” mean?
The ability to stay calm, keep trying, or cope when things don’t go your way.
You don’t understand a math problem after the teacher explains it. What is a frustration-tolerant response?
Asking for help, trying again, taking a break, using notes (multiple correct).
True or False: Frustration tolerance only matters in school.
False
Name one healthy coping strategy for frustration.
Deep breathing, walking away, positive self-talk, asking for help, music, movement.
Is frustration always a bad thing? Explain.
No, it can help us learn, grow, or realize what matters.
True or False: Having good frustration tolerance means you never feel frustrated.
False! It means you can handle frustration when it happens.
True or False: Shutting down and refusing to work is an example of good frustration tolerance.
False
Name one personal situation that might test frustration tolerance.
Family conflict, friendships, sports, work, chores, social media (any reasonable answer).
Which is better when frustrated: reacting immediately or pausing first?
Pausing first
What happens in your body when you feel frustrated?
Tight muscles, fast heart rate, sweating, shallow breathing (any valid answer).
Which emotion is most closely connected to frustration?
Anger, stress, disappointment, or feeling overwhelmed (multiple answers accepted).
Name one school situation that commonly causes frustration.
Tests, homework, group work, time limits, grades, technology issues (any valid answer)
If a friend cancels plans last minute, what’s a frustration-tolerant response?
Express feelings calmly, adjust plans, talk it out, take space (multiple answers)
True or False: Coping strategies work instantly every time.
False
Which takes more strength: staying calm or reacting emotionally?
Staying calm (discussion encouraged).
Why is frustration tolerance important in high school?
It helps with learning, relationships, behavior, and handling pressure (any reasonable answer).
You studied but still failed a quiz. What’s a healthy next step?
Review mistakes, ask for feedback, make a new plan, retake if allowed.
Why can poor frustration tolerance cause problems in relationships?
It can lead to yelling, shutting down, arguing, or impulsive behavior.
What does “self-talk” mean when managing frustration?
The way you talk to yourself in your head.
How could better frustration tolerance help your future job or adult life?
Handling stress, working with others, problem-solving, responsibility.
Finish the sentence: Frustration tolerance is about how you ________, not whether you get frustrated.
Respond / react / cope.
What’s the difference between giving up and taking a break when frustrated?
Giving up stops effort; a break helps you calm down so you can try again.
Is it okay to feel frustrated with people you care about? Why or why not?
Yes! Feelings are normal; it’s how you handle them that matters.
Turn this thought into a frustration-tolerant one:
“I can’t do this. I’m bad at school.”
“This is hard, but I can try a different strategy” or similar reframe.
On a scale of 1–10, how strong is your frustration tolerance right now—and what could help raise it?
Opinion-based; no wrong answer!!!!