In DBT, what does the term "Distress Tolerance" refer to?

In Dialectical Behavior Therapy, the term "Distress Tolerance" specifically refers to the skills that individuals develop to endure pain and distress without resorting to unhealthy coping mechanisms. This concept is crucial because it empowers individuals to manage difficult emotions and situations more effectively, rather than using avoidance or maladaptive behaviors such as self-harm, substance abuse, or other impulsive actions.

Distress tolerance skills are designed to help individuals acknowledge their discomfort, cope with it constructively, and, at times, tolerate distressing situations until they can improve or resolve. This approach fosters emotional resilience and reinforces the idea that while distress is a natural part of life, it can be handled in a way that is more adaptive and functional.

By emphasizing the development of these skills, DBT encourages individuals to face their distress instead of attempting to deny or escape it, which aligns with the therapeutic goals of acceptance and change.