Psychological Flexibility

Psychological Flexibility is the ability to recognize and adapt to fluctuating situational demands, shift feelings, perspectives and behaviour as required, and maintain a balance between competing desires, needs and life priorities. It includes our ability to stay in contact with the present moment, being fully aware of our emotions and thoughts, accepting them, including the undesired ones, while choosing our behaviour based on the situation and our deeply held values.

Psychological Flexibility is considered central to our daily well-being, adaptive functioning, and lasting psychological health. It helps in regulating our attention and effort when pursuing goals that are reflective of our core values.

Psychological Flexibility in Action The person will be able to:

• Adapt to changing circumstances.
• Recognise and accept their thoughts and emotions, even the undesirable ones.
• Make behavioral choices that are consistent with their personal values.
• Maintain a balance between their various interests and desires.
• Act on long-term values rather than short-term impulses.
• Commit attention and energy to meaningful interests and values.
• Regulate their attention and effort towards value-consistent goals, despite challenges.