A multi-modal investigation of the roles of distress tolerance and emotional reactivity in obsessive–compulsive symptoms
Abstract
Emerging evidence implicates important roles of poor distress tolerance and heightened emotional reactivity in obsessive-compulsive disorder. To date, investigations have relied mostly on self-report measures, and we sought to extend the literature by examining the relationship between OC symptoms and distress tolerance, as well as emotional reactivity, using three laboratory assessments. Nonclinical participants (N=167) viewed emotional films associated with four different negative emotions and also completed mirror tracing and handgrip persistence tasks. Greater obsessions scores were predictive of poorer emotional tolerance for a sad film and shorter persistence on the mirror tracing task. Among men only, obsessions were negatively correlated with persistence on the handgrip task. Associations between increased emotional reactivity and washing symptoms also emerged. These findings provide further evidence for the role of poor distress tolerance in obsessions and suggest heightened emotional reactivity may play a role in compulsive washing.
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In a non-clinical sample, a relationship was identified between obsessions and poor persistence on a frustrating task.
“Although reported in a non-clinical sample, a relationship was identified between obsessions and poor persistence on a frustrating task.”
From Emotion and internal experience in Obsessive Compulsive Disorder: Reviewing the role of alexithymia, anxiety sensitivity and distress tolerance (2014) · cites this paper as Cougle, Timpano, Sarawgi, Smith, & Fitch, 2013
A recent study identified a relationship between obsessions and poor persistence on a frustrating task in a non-clinical sample.
“Although reported in a non-clinical sample, a relationship was identified between obsessions and poor persistence on a frustrating task.”
From Emotion and internal experience in Obsessive Compulsive Disorder: Reviewing the role of alexithymia, anxiety sensitivity and distress tolerance (2014) · cites this paper as Cougle, Timpano, Sarawgi, Smith, & Fitch, 2013
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References 26 · Cited by 34
- Authors
- Cougle, J. R., Timpano, K. R., Sarawgi, S., Smith, C. M., & Fitch, K. E.
- Affiliations
- Florida State University (US)
- University of Miami (US)
- Corresponding author
- Cougle, Jesse R.
- Venue
- Anxiety, Stress & Coping
- Publisher
- Informa UK Limited
- Published
- 2013-09
- Volume
- 26
- Issue
- 5
- Pages
- 478-492
- ISSN
- 1061-5806 (ISSN-L)
- 1477-2205
- OpenAlex
- W2017045584
- Cited by
- 34
- References
- 26
- Citations by year
- 2026: 1 · 2025: 2 · 2024: 3 · 2023: 4 · 2022: 4 · 2020: 1 · 2019: 1 · 2018: 3 · 2017: 6 · 2016: 3 · 2015: 4 · 2014: 1 · 2013: 1
- FWCI
- 2.18
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- Anxiety Stress & Coping (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- Topics
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Obsessive-Compulsive Spectrum Disorders
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Experimental and Cognitive Psychology › Anxiety, Depression, Psychometrics, Treatment, Cognitive Processes
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Psychoanalysis and Psychopathology Research
- Keywords
- distress tolerance, emotional reactivity, obsessive-compulsive symptoms, obsession, compulsive washing, emotional tolerance, mirror tracing, negative emotions, sex differences
- MeSH terms
- Adaptation, Psychological, Adolescent, Adult, Compulsive Behavior, Emotions, Female, Humans, Male, Obsessive Behavior, Surveys and Questionnaires, Stress, Psychological, Students, Task Performance and Analysis, Southeastern United States, Sex Distribution, Hand Strength, Young Adult, Self Report
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