Understanding the Pattern of Avoidance: The Relationship Between Dialectical Behavior Therapy and Readiness for Exposure Therapy

Abstract

The present study investigated the relationship between distress tolerance training (as measured by the Distress Tolerance Scale) and readiness for exposure therapy (ET; as measured by the Readiness for Psychotherapy Index) in clients who have received dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) skills training. Participants included 19 individuals who had or wished to be involved in ET and had received DBT distress tolerance skills training. A bivariate correlation and t-tests were utilized to analyze data. Results indicated the lack of a meaningful relationship between DBT distress tolerance skills and readiness for exposure therapy. There was also no significant difference in distress tolerance and readiness for exposure therapy between participants who had not received ET and those who were currently receiving ET. A discussion of results, implications of findings, directions for future research, and study limitations are provided.