Validation of the distress tolerance scale‐short form in obsessive compulsive disorder.

Abstract: Objective: This study aimed to develop and validate the Distress Tolerance Scale‐Short Form (DTS‐SF), a modification of the original Distress Tolerance Scale, in a severe/complex sample of individuals with obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). Currently, there are multiple self‐report measurements of distress tolerance (DT), highlighting the need for a more refined measure. Method: Participants included 222 individuals with a primary diagnosis of OCD (57% male, average age = 31) seeking intensive/residential treatment. Participants completed surveys at admission, discharge, and each week. Results: An exploratory factor analysis revealed a one‐factor solution representing overall DT ability. The DTS‐SF was found to be sensitive to treatment effects. Appropriate associations between the DTS‐SF and other measures were also found, with lower DT associated with greater OCD and depression severity and lower reported quality of life. Conclusion: The DTS‐SF was found to be a valid and reliable measure with high clinical utility for quickly and accurately measuring DT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]