Understanding how to improve distress tolerance in mental health treatment

Targeting components of distress tolerance

NIH-funded research University of Arkansas at Fayetteville · NIH-10876000

This study is looking at how people can better handle tough emotions and stress in their daily lives, and it’s for anyone dealing with mental health challenges; by trying out different support methods, we hope to find ways to help you feel more in control and improve your emotional well-being.

Quick facts

Grant typeR15 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Arkansas at Fayetteville NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Fayetteville, United States)
Project IDNIH-10876000 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research aims to explore the mechanisms behind distress tolerance, a key factor in mental health disorders that can be improved through psychotherapy. By using ecological momentary assessment, the study will evaluate how individuals' willingness to experience distress and their self-efficacy in managing it influence their emotional regulation in everyday situations. Participants will be randomly assigned to different interventions to assess their effectiveness in enhancing distress tolerance and reducing symptoms of mental illness. The findings could lead to better therapeutic strategies for managing psychological disorders.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing mental health disorders who struggle with distress tolerance.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have mental health disorders or those who are not willing to engage in therapeutic interventions may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved therapies that help patients better manage distress and reduce symptoms of mental health disorders.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that targeting emotional regulation strategies can effectively improve mental health outcomes, suggesting this approach may also be beneficial.

Where this research is happening

Fayetteville, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Mental health disordersPsychiatric DiseasePsychiatric Disorderpsychological disorderMental disorders
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.