Unfortunately our world does not always reward us when we expect it, and we must learn to deal with nonreward. How do these experiences influence our behaviors and how can we use them to help us? In Frustration Theory: An Analysis ofDispositional Learning and Memory (1992), Abram Arosel has answered these questions; he has summarized over 40 years of exciting research and the development of an elegant theory. He has also reviewed recent applications of frustration theory in such areas as fetal alcohol syndrome and attention deficit-hyperactivity disorders. In this invited commentary, we briefly summarize a mathematical model of frustration theory (called DMOD) and review simulations of the model that highlight the importance of the assumptions based on frustration theory (e.g., aversiveness of unexpected nonreward, counterconditioning). We also review assumptions (e.g., unlearning, passive and active "inhibition," decline in aversiveness of expected nonreward) that are required if one is to simulate intuitive and counterintuitive phenomena.
311Unfortunately, we are not always rewarded. How we learn to deal with aversive nonreward has a major impact on our success and happiness. The field of psychology has been very fortunate to include the work of Abram Amsel, who has provided us with a large database that shows the importance of nonreward. He has also developed a comprehensive theory that integrates the research results and gives us the power to make predictions. His book Frustration Theory: An Analysis of Dispositional Learning and Memory (1992), which we have been asked to comment on, is a beautiful summary of over 40 years of research and theory development. The book begins with a summary of behavioral consequences of nonreward in adult and immature rats and then reviews the effects of brain lesions and in utero exposure to alcohol. The book ends with applications offrustration theory to children with attention deficit-hyperactivity disorders.In this commentary, we briefly review a mathematical model offrustration theory (called DMOD) and describe results of simulations that highlight the importance of nonreward as well as the importance of reintroduction of rewards.