Who Gets Frustrated? Identifying Individuals Prone to Frustration Using a Latent Profile Analysis

Frustration is a complex negative emotion with multifaceted underlying components, and identifying susceptible groups has so far provided disparate results. This study employs a person-centered analytical approach to differentiate between subgroups of individuals based on multidimensional frustration triggers and response indicators. Data were collected from a sample of 2,219 drivers. Utilizing latent profile analysis, we identified four distinct profiles: Minimal, Low, Moderate, and Severe. Specifically, these profiles were associated with frustrating situations in driving (i.e., limited control and goal blockage), as well as emotional responses (i.e., anger, stress, and irritation). Predictors for these profiles included driving behavior dimensions (violations, errors, and lapses), group user categories (sharing, ownership, and leasing), and demographic variables (age and gender). The findings reveal that demographic factors, such as age, gender, and user category, play significant roles in determining susceptibility to frustration. Notably, the Severe profile includes younger drivers, predominantly men and car owners, who had higher levels of lapses in driving behavior and increased frustration. This suggests that targeted interventions to reduce driving lapses and promote positive attitudes related to car sharing and leasing are needed to reduce frustration in traffic. Our results demonstrate the varying degrees of susceptibility to frustration among drivers and underscore the importance of targeted strategies for different demographic groups.