Abstract
Prior studies have utilized a variety of self-report and behavioral measures of distress tolerance to predict dysregulated
behaviors and other problematic outcomes. However, few studies have examined the concurrent associations among these various
measures, which may be assessing distinct constructs. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the concurrent utility
of several self-report and behavioral distress tolerance measures in predicting two clinically-relevant outcomes: bulimic
symptoms and general impulsive behaviors. Results of hierarchical multiple regression analyses revealed that whereas only
self-reported emotional distress tolerance was significantly associated with bulimic symptom severity, self-reported emotional
and physical distress tolerance, as well as a behavioral measure of psychological distress tolerance, were significantly associated
with impulsive behaviors in general. These findings highlight the need for further explication of the conceptualization and
operationalization of the distress tolerance construct, as well as research examining the convergent and discriminant validity
of various distress tolerance assessments.
behaviors and other problematic outcomes. However, few studies have examined the concurrent associations among these various
measures, which may be assessing distinct constructs. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the concurrent utility
of several self-report and behavioral distress tolerance measures in predicting two clinically-relevant outcomes: bulimic
symptoms and general impulsive behaviors. Results of hierarchical multiple regression analyses revealed that whereas only
self-reported emotional distress tolerance was significantly associated with bulimic symptom severity, self-reported emotional
and physical distress tolerance, as well as a behavioral measure of psychological distress tolerance, were significantly associated
with impulsive behaviors in general. These findings highlight the need for further explication of the conceptualization and
operationalization of the distress tolerance construct, as well as research examining the convergent and discriminant validity
of various distress tolerance assessments.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Pages 1-10
- DOI 10.1007/s10608-011-9377-8
- Authors
- Michael D. Anestis, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, USA
- Jason M. Lavender, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, USA
- Erin C. Marshall-Berenz, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, USA
- Kim L. Gratz, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, USA
- Matthew T. Tull, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, USA
- Thomas E. Joiner, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, USA
- Journal Cognitive Therapy and Research
- Online ISSN 1573-2819
- Print ISSN 0147-5916