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Related Concept Videos

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder01:28

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 31, 2026

Exploring the Neural Correlates of Cognitive Reappraisal in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Using Task-based Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging
09:14

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Distress tolerance and obsessions: an integrative analysis.

Jesse R Cougle1, Kiara R Timpano, Kristin E Fitch

  • 1Department of Psychology, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida 32306, USA. cougle@psy.fsu.edu

Depression and Anxiety
|June 18, 2011
PubMed
Summary

Poor distress tolerance (DT) is specifically linked to obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) obsessions, not other symptoms. Targeting DT may improve obsessions treatment.

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Area of Science:

  • Psychiatry
  • Clinical Psychology
  • Behavioral Science

Background:

  • Emerging research suggests a link between low distress tolerance (DT) and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), particularly obsessions.
  • Previous evidence for this association has been indirect, necessitating further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the specific and incremental associations between DT and obsessions.
  • To clarify the relationship between DT and various OCD symptoms using multiple research methods.

Main Methods:

  • Three studies were conducted with a total of 558 participants from nonclinical samples.
  • Methodologies included cross-sectional and prospective self-report designs, alongside an in vivo neutralization task.

Main Results:

  • Low DT was specifically associated with obsessing symptoms, independent of other OCD symptoms and theoretically relevant constructs.
  • Poor DT predicted changes in obsessing symptoms over a one-month period.
  • Participants with low DT exhibited more neutralization behaviors and experienced greater anxiety following an OCD-like intrusion.

Conclusions:

  • The findings confirm a significant relationship between DT and obsessions.
  • Interventions aimed at improving DT may offer particular benefits for individuals experiencing obsessions.