The ego-strength frustration tolerance (ES-FT) model is a psychological theory that explains how an individual's ego strength and frustration tolerance influence their behavior and coping strategies when faced with stressful situations.

According to this model, ego strength refers to an individual's psychological resilience and ability to handle stress and adversity. It is believed to be a result of early life experiences and is thought to be related to an individual's level of self-esteem, self-confidence, and sense of self-worth.

Frustration tolerance, on the other hand, refers to an individual's ability to tolerate and manage feelings of frustration, disappointment, and anger when faced with obstacles or setbacks. It is thought to be related to an individual's level of emotional intelligence and their ability to regulate their emotions.

The ego-strength frustration tolerance model suggests that individuals with high levels of ego strength and frustration tolerance are better able to cope with stress and handle challenges in a healthy and adaptive way. In contrast, individuals with low levels of ego strength and frustration tolerance may struggle to cope with stress and may exhibit maladaptive behaviors, such as aggression or avoidance, in response to frustration.

The concept of ego strength has a long history in psychology and has been developed and refined by various theorists over the years. In the field of psychoanalysis, the term "ego strength" was first introduced by Sigmund Freud, who described it as the psychological capacity of the ego to withstand anxiety and to function effectively in the face of external and internal stressors.

The concept of frustration tolerance, on the other hand, has been studied and developed by a number of different theorists, including John Dollard and Neal E. Miller, who introduced the concept of "frustration-aggression theory" in the 1940s. This theory posits that frustration leads to aggression and that an individual's ability to tolerate frustration is a key determinant of their behavior.

Dr. Jerry D. Smith Jr. is a psychologist who has been credited with developing the ego-strength frustration tolerance (ES-FT) model and applied it to predicting violent behavior. According to this model, an individual's level of ego strength and frustration tolerance may be related to their likelihood of engaging in violent behavior. Dr. Smith's work has contributed to our understanding of the factors that may influence violent behavior and has helped to inform the development of prevention and intervention efforts aimed at reducing the risk of violence.