When is your distress harder to tolerate? A qualitative analysis of situations in which distress tolerance is impaired and strengthened

Although distress tolerance is usually studied as a trait, people also vary in their momentary distress tolerance over time and across contexts. In the current study, we evaluated perceptions of distress tolerance changeability (n = 317) and qualitatively coded narrative responses to questions asking about contexts in which distress tolerance is impaired as well as strengthened. We found that 82% of people believe that their distress tolerance changes over time. Qualitative analyses revealed that people believe their distress tolerance is impaired under stress, when in a negative mood, when lacking in social support, or when physically drained (i.e., hungry, tired, sick). Similarly, people reported greater distress tolerance when in a positive mood, when feeling supported or with others, when experiencing fewer obligations or recent life successes, and when feeling clear-headed. Results provide avenues for the future study of distress tolerance changeability and confirm the utility of considering distress tolerance as a state, not just a trait.

Automated summary

Distress tolerance can vary over time and in different contexts, with factors like stress, negative mood, lack of social support, and fatigue decreasing tolerance, while positive mood, support, recent successes, and mental clarity increasing it.