Cited by 102Mindfulness and Compassion InterventionsPsychological Well-being and Life SatisfactionReligion, Spirituality, and Psychology

Psychological flexibility: Positive implications for mental health and life satisfaction

Open access
Lucas, James J, Moore, Kathleen A·2020·Health Promotion International

Abstract

New wave therapies such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy aim to cultivate people's psychological flexibility in order for them to live a satisfying life. Psychological flexibility has also a role in promoting mental health, which may mediate the relationship with life satisfaction. The aim of this study was to determine whether mental health mediates the effect of psychological flexibility on life satisfaction. A convenience sample of 140 adults (32 males, M = 36.50 years, SD = 12.22; 107 females, M = 38.46 years, SD = 12.81; and a 45-year-old person of unknown gender) completed an online questionnaire assessing psychological flexibility, mental health and life satisfaction. Three of the four hypothesized components of psychological flexibility (experiential acceptance, cognitive alternatives and cognitive control) contributed to the latent construct of psychological flexibility, but cognitive defusion failed to contribute. Psychological flexibility had a direct, positive effect on life satisfaction and the hypothesis that mental health would mediate this relationship was supported. The results suggest that psychological flexibility is important for one's mental health and that both are integral to life satisfaction. The results also support a continued focus on third-wave therapies in cultivating psychological flexibility.

Integrity signals

Registry

Crossref · 10.1093/heapro/daz036

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Authors
Lucas, J. J., & Moore, K. A.
Affiliations
  • Deakin University (AU)
  • School of Health and Life Sciences, Federation University Australia, Northways Road, Churchill, Victoria 3842, Australia
Corresponding author
Lucas, James J
Venue
Health Promotion International
Published
2019-05-09
Volume
35
Issue
2
Pages
312-320
ISSN
  • 0957-4824 (ISSN-L)
  • 1460-2245
OpenAlex
W2944163432
Cited by
102
References
41
Citations by year
2026: 13 · 2025: 23 · 2024: 27 · 2023: 14 · 2022: 13 · 2021: 10 · 2020: 2
FWCI
7.31
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
  • Health Promotion International (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • FedUni ResearchOnline (Federation University Australia) (submittedVersion)
  • Figshare (submittedVersion, cc-by)
Topics
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Mindfulness and Compassion Interventions
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Social Psychology › Psychological Well-being and Life Satisfaction
  • Social Sciences › Health › Religion, Spirituality, and Psychology
Keywords
psychological flexibility, mental health, life satisfaction, acceptance and commitment therapy, experiential acceptance, cognitive control, cognitive defusion, mediation, third-wave therapies
MeSH terms
Adaptation, Psychological, Adult, Female, Humans, Male, Mental Health, Personal Satisfaction, Surveys and Questionnaires, Internet, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy

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