REBT-Postponing Gratification aims to counter...

• A. Encouraging immediate gratification.
• B. Delaying gratification for a period to improve frustration tolerance.
• C. Avoiding frustration entirely.
• D. Responding to anger immediately.

Answer: (B)

In REBT, postponing gratification is used to counter the belief that immediate satisfaction is required. By intentionally delaying a desired outcome for a set period, a person experiences the urge and learns that distress diminishes over time, which builds tolerance for frustration. This practice challenges rigid, demanding thoughts (like “I must have it now”) and helps a person see that waiting doesn’t ruin outcomes and that they can endure discomfort. It’s a practical way to reduce impulsive reactions and improve self-control in situations where immediate gratification isn’t possible. It’s not about promoting instant gratification, avoiding frustration entirely, or responding to anger right away. For example, delaying a snack for a scheduled wait period, while using calm, rational self-talk, trains the individual to tolerate the urge and strengthens frustration tolerance.