This study attempted to investigate the influence of frustration tolerance on the coping strategies of boys with disruptive behavior disorders (DBD). The participants were recruited in regular and...Show moreThis study attempted to investigate the influence of frustration tolerance on the coping strategies of boys with disruptive behavior disorders (DBD). The participants were recruited in regular and special primary schools in the Netherlands. Forty-one children with DBD were compared with a control group of thirty-eight children. The frustration tolerance is measured by using the 'Amsterdamse Neuropsychologische Taken; Delay Frustration' (ANT-DF). The coping strategy is measured by using questionnaires. To determine the emotion regulation, the 'Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire' (CERQ) is used. The coping strategies are analyzed by using the 'Behavioral Anger Response Questionnaire' (BARQ). Results show that boys with DBD do not differ in frustration tolerance compare to the control group. The effect of negative feedback results in more frustration for both groups. There is a difference between the DBD and control group in using the strategies 'avoidance' and 'diffusion'. Boys with DBD use less often these strategies compared with the control group. In addition, they do not avoid the stress situation but seek more often confrontation. Also, they focus on their anger. The DBD group is split into boys with a low frustration tolerance and boys with a high frustration tolerance because there was no difference between the DBD group and the control group. Of all strategies, DBD boys with a low frustration tolerance only use less often an avoidance coping strategy compared with the control group. Based on this study, it can be concluded that boys with DBD use other coping strategies compared with the control group. Specially boys with a low frustration tolerance, avoid stress situations less often and seek confrontation.Show less