Quest to reduce frustration : protein folding & emotional restoration.

Abstract

A system in which unmet desired conditions exists is described as frustrated. Since forces will naturally seek to meet the desired conditions, in this study, the principle of reducing frustration as a driving force to natural processes is examined.

Previous studies have applied the concept of frustration in the Ising Model. Findings supported the reduction of frustration as driving force to reach equilibrium state. It also suggests frustration and the inability to reach zero frustration (due to geometric constraints) as the cause of degenerate ground states. This study shall extend the study of frustration into the protein folding process and also back into the psychological sense, where the word originated from.

Proteins are observed to fold themselves to reduce frustration but the different numbers of hydrophobic and hydrophilic residues, as well as the configuration (relative positions of residues) of the proteins, limit further reduction of frustration.

The second part of the study looked for similar principles in frustration as an emotion experienced by human beings. It is observed that seeking to reduce frustration is a natural process and that constraints act as limitations to minimum frustration. In addition, the practice and effectiveness of counselling are supported, since it seeks to break constraints that limit the reduction of frustration.