HANDLING NEGATIVE EMOTIONS
IN HCI
What are some possible scenarios with relation to negative emotions among readers in school?
Click the words of the 4 categories to enter the page or click directly from the drop-down menu
Having trouble in school because of your studies? The following may be some relatable scenarios
1. Unsatisfactory projects' day results
2. Bad test results
3. Unsatisfactory MSG
4. Unable to enter special programmes / CSE
5. Unable to apply for leadership positions
6. Unable to attend overseas programmes
7. Cannot balance workload
8. Low Oral Participation
Cannot live up to CCA's expectations of you or your expectations of CCA?
1. Unable to promote to the next rank (UG)
2. Missed opportunities to represent school
3. No dedication or passion
4. CCA mates unwilling to work with you
5. Poor results attained from competitions
6. Poor relationship with teacher IC or coaches
Feeling alone wthout many friends to spend quality time with?
1. Poor managing of friendship with classmates
2. Unable to widen social circle
3. Bullied online due to your unique personality
4. Unable to meet friends' expectations when interacting
5. Looked down upon due to certain inabilities
6. Choosing the wrong clique
7. Believing that you are being a 'burden' to your friends
8. Poor working and communications with friends
9. Low confidence in conversation / speech
10. Unhappy about people 'judging' you
Problems maintaining your self control and keeping up with the school's expectations?
1. Demerit points for being late
2. Constant reprimandation from teachers for attitude
3. Distracted in class by phones
4. Unable to focus in lessons
5. Addicted to gaming
Do these look familiar?
Frustration & Disappointment
What about these 2 negative emotions?
What makes these 2 negative emotions important? Why have we chosen these 2 to elaborate?
Firstly, in a survey we have conducted, it has been stated by the respondents that these 2 negative emotions are the most prevalent and relatable ones suffered by students in school
It has been shown that out of the 59 respondents, 53 and 54 said frustration and disappointment is important respectively.
Also, these 2 negative emotions are the most easily differentiated and generic ones that cover most other emotions. We will be identifying these 2 emotions as consequences suffered from the many scenarios mentioned at the top. Before that, here are some imformation regarding frustration and disappointment that you should know. This will help you realise if you are frustrated or disappointed at your school life.
Fundamental difference between frustration and disappointment
1. A type of ANGER
2. The feeling that accompanies an experience of being thwarted in attaining your goals
3. Used to express the angry feeling about a repeated action which cannot be accomplished
1. A type of SADNESS
2. A feeling of dissatisfaction when your expectations are not realised
3. Used to describe a sad feeling when you have been let down or something didn't go as planned
Advanced definition:
It is the feeling of being upset or annoyed as a result of being unable to change or achieve something
Related to anger and regret, it arises from the perceived resistance to the fulfilment of individual will. The greater the obstruction, and the greater the will, the more the frustration is likely to be.
Frustration
Signs and Effects:
Withdrawal - behaviours such as giving up mainly because he feels that there is no need for one to pursue his ambitions
Aggression - acting in a threatening manner when one becomes irritated and lashes out at anyone. May be violent.
Regression - behaving in an immature and childish manner and may include self-pity. A change in mindset may cause one to return to his less mature state
Physical disorder - physical ailments such as fever, vomiting etc. High level of frustration leads to high blood pressure from anger
Apathy - become unresponsive and disinterested in their studies. This may be due to one feeling helpless about a situation and that no matter how hard one tries, one's results will remain unchanged
Signs and Effects:
Depression - feeling of unhappiness and misery, characterized by continuously having low moods. Depression from disappointment is perpetuated by negativity and the fear of being disappointed again.
Contained Anger - may lead to the build up of internal negativity and annoyance towards external events
Denial - characterized by outwardly pretending that a disappointing situation does not exist. Can come in the form of giving up on goals as the person does not believe any of these are worth pursuing.
Fear - results from undergoing unpleasant or disappointing experiences. Prolonged fear can be numbing and threaten a person’s psychological and emotional well-being.
Apathy - a condition in which someone becomes indifferent and passive to life. This is because he feels helpless about a disappointing situation and believes he cannot change it.
Advanced definition:
It is the sadness or displeasure caused by the non-fulfilment of one's hopes or expectations
A source of psychological stress
Typically contained within the person without obvious signs of rage
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“Some teens may become irritable and lash out at their parents and teachers, while others will withdraw and make only minimal efforts to fulfill their obligations”
- Joyce Walker
Overcoming Frustration <AAAPS>
ANALYZE
Why are you frustrated? What is the problem? What is the cause?
ADAPT
Adapt to the typically unchangeable circumstance. Try to assimilate instead of complain about the situation. This is important to progress towards a healthier mindset
ACT
Decide when is the time to act. Even the most frustrating circumstances disappear by themselves by exercising patience, since you have proper control of what you do
PREVENT
Always plan your actions. Foresee the different possibilities and allow yourself time to change accordingly. It will help prevent frustration from taking over your emotions
SEEK HELP
Talk to your parents or counsellor. It is always helpful with someone by your side guiding your path to overcoming frustration
Comic about frustration
Infographic about frustration
Disappointment
"The size of your success is measured by the strength of your desire, the size of your dream and how you handle disappointment along the way."
- Robert Kiyosaki
Overcoming Disappointment <AAAPS>
ANALYSE
Reflect on your current situation. What caused your disappointment? Was the ambition unrealistic which was difficult to achieve?
ADJUST MINDSET
Let your feelings out. Acknowledge and accept your internal pain. Take some time to heal and adjust your mindset and expectations. One should take care of oneself physically and mentally, for e.g. taking a walk, listening to music. Naturally positivity will arrive
ACT - Move forward
Always practice acceptance. No matter how unpleasant, an event is fated to happen and learn to accept it. Be open to these events, as it may be stepping stones to success. Capitalise and make new opportunities from your misgivings
PREVENT
Learn from your mistakes and never stay disappointed due to a setback. Keep hopes alive and and remain optimistic as anything that happens is part of the learning experience
SEEK HELP
Talk to your parents or counsellor. It is always helpful with someone by your side guiding your path to overcoming disappointment and a negative mindset
Comic about Disappointment
Infographic about disappointment