Distress tolerance and executive functions: A systematic review

MARÍA LAURA ANDRÉS; MACARENA DEL VALLE; MARÍA CRISTINA RICHAUD DE MINZI; ISABEL INTROZZI; LORENA CANET JURIC; JOSE I. NAVARRO

Psychology & Neuroscience

Casa do Psicologo

Lugar: Sao Paolo; Año: 2021

1983-3288

We conducteda systematic review of studies that have empirically explored the relationship between executive functions and distress tolerance. For this purpose, 20 articles were selected through a database search using keywords. Regarding tolerance of physical discomfort, associations were found with inhibitory control, but not with working memory capacity or cognitive flexibility. Tolerance of negative emotions showed contradictory associations with inhibitory control, and scarce associations with working memory and cognitive flexibility. Regarding tolerance of uncertainty, we found contradictory associations with inhibitory control, few associations with cognitive flexibility and no studies analyzing the role of working memory. No studies were found about the relationship between executive functions and tolerance of frustration or tolerance of ambiguity. Future studies should explore each executive component separately and incorporate both self-report and behavioral measures for the assessment of distress tolerance. They should also involve participants from different populations, especially children, older adults, and clinical populations