Preliminary evidence for the utility of a videogame as a behavioral measure of distress intolerance

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Introduction: Withstanding negative affect is essential for healthy and adaptive psychological functioning. As such, failing to endure distress (i.e., distress intolerance) is associated with the etiology and maintenance of several psychological disorders and subclinical issues. Many behavioral measures of psychological distress intolerance exist; however, there are limitations to these measures (e.g., perceived loss of control over task performance) that have led some to call into question whether they measure distress intolerance or other related constructs. This study tests the utility of a computerized videogame as a novel behavioral measure of distress intolerance. The proposed task may address limitations of existing measures by presenting more ecologically valid goals and allowing participants greater control over their performance. Methods: A sample of undergraduates (N = 171; 70.8% female) completed a measure of self-report distress intolerance and played the videogame for a maximum of 30 minutes. State levels of affect were assessed at baseline and following the videogame. Results: This videogame increased negative affect and decreased positive affect, suggesting that it increased psychological distress. Further, our behavioral index of distress tolerance (number of setbacks experienced) was significantly related to selfreported distress tolerance. Discussion: Findings provide initial support for the validity of this task as a behavioral measure of distress intolerance.