The Relationship Between Psychological Flexibility and Depression, Anxiety and Stress: A Latent Profile Analysis

Abstract

Purpose To explore the potential classification of psychological flexibility (PF) among Chinese college students, analyze whether there is group heterogeneity in PF, and discuss the differences in the latent profile of PF in the negative emotions of depression, anxiety, and stress. Methods A total of 1769 college students were investigated using the Psychological Flexibility Questionnaire and Depression-Anxiety-Stress Self-rating Scale, and heterogeneity was tested by latent profile analysis. Results The PF of college students can be divided into three latent profiles: self-contradiction group (19.2%), high PF group (34.1%), and low PF group (46.7%). The scores of depression, anxiety, and stress are significantly different among the groups. Conclusion There is obvious group heterogeneity in the PF of college students, and they can be divided into the self-contradiction group, the high PF group, and the low PF group. The self-contradiction and low PF groups score significantly higher on the negative emotions of depression, anxiety, and stress than the high PF group.

Self-Investigation Into Repercussions of Perfectionist Behavior on Academic Anxiety and Flexibility Amongst Chinese Postgraduates

“…In stark contrast, educational attainment levels emerge as significant discriminators, unveiling a multifaceted interplay of intrinsic and extrinsic motivations that cultivate perfectionist dispositions. This revelation punctuates the notion that such tendencies are more rooted in academic conditioning than in societal or vocational stereotypes (Lai & Yeung, 2023;Wang et al, 2023;Chen & Qu, 2022). The demarcation between master's and doctoral candidates is particularly telling, with those engaged in doctoral endeavors experiencing pronounced anxiety and perfectionism-a vivid testament to the intensifying pressures inherent at the apex of educational pursuit.…”

“…Often, in academic discourse, flexibility is juxtaposed against rigidity, with the latter representing an inflexible adherence to singular perspectives or strategies, irrespective of situational exigencies (Gonzaga et al, 2022;White & McCallum, 2021;Holland et al, 2021). Cognitively speaking, flexibility embodies the nimbleness to maneuver between abstract principles and specific exemplars, and to transition seamlessly across diverse problem-solving strategies (Wang et al, 2023;Chen & Qu, 2022;Wen et al, 2019). From a pedagogical vantage, fostering flexibility is paramount, for it bequeaths learners with the critical acumen to discern and apply pertinent strategies across a panoply of learning contexts, thus amplifying their academic resilience and adaptability (Gonzaga et al, 2022;Wen et al, 2019;Coleman & Oliveros, 2019).…”

Outlining a novel psychometric model of mental flexibility and affect dynamics

“…CBT helps patients attain valued wishes and form happy attitudes by strengthening positive motivation and interpersonal communication via therapist-patient interaction, leading to immediate behavioral objectives. Wang et al (2023) showed that CBT could change psychological problems by altering patients’ views and attitudes towards themselves or things, which also applies to the elderly with cognitive decline. Furthermore, in this context, both the DSM-5-TR and the U.S. National Institute of Mental Health advocate for psychiatrists to assess flexibility in a dimensional manner rather than relying on categorical evaluations.…”

Could Psychological Flexibility Play a Buffering Role Against the Negative Effects of Depression, Stress, and Anxiety in General Population: A Canonical Correlation Analysis

“…al., 2017Davis et. al., 2020;Leahy et al, 2012;Masuda & Tully, 2012;Østergaard et al, 2020;Trindade et al, 2020;Fonseca et al, 2020) anxiety (Masuda & Tully, 2012;Wang et al, 2023), depressive symptoms, anxiety and stress in individuals living with spinal cord injuries (Han et al, 2022), substance abuse (Stotts et al, 2012), and stress (Kent et al, 2019;Arslan & Allen, 2022;Wersebe et al, 2018 ). In a recent study the inverse associations of PF with depression, anxiety, and stress together were also determined (Wang et al, 2023) and PF with depression and stress (Puolakanaho et al, 2023).…”

“…Ultimately, the goal is to transform these painful life experiences into a new form, a more meaningful life (Hayes & Strosahl, 2010). In addition, relieving symptoms are seen as subsequent gains of therapy and enhancing PF is a cornerstone of ACT (Wang et al, 2023). In short, individuals learn to carry unpleasant thoughts and feelings in a healthy way, instead of trying to find a solution or getting rid of everything (Vangölü, 2022).…”