[1] This trait comes into play when stressors or unexpected events occur, requiring that a person change their stance, outlook, or commitment.
[4] AAQ-II scores predict many outcomes, including mental health and work absence rates.
Studies have shown that both versions of the AAQ appear to measure the same thing, which is neuroticism/negative affect rather than experiential avoidance.
A similar study looked at the longitudinal relationship between perceived parenting style and psychological flexibility among students over six years (7th–12th grade).
Psychological flexibility decreased with age: as children grow older they become more set in their thoughts and habits, being less likely to change them due to circumstances.
Also, children with more psychological flexibility in 9th grade were more likely to have decreases in authoritarian and increases in authoritative parenting style later on.
[13] An experiment analyzed the relationship between difficulty identifying and describing feelings (DIDF) and psychological flexibility in men undergoing cancer screenings.
This understanding allowed participants to identify and describe their feelings better, thus enhancing their mental health.
[14] A two-year longitudinal study found that psychological flexibility helps with long-term emotional adjustment.
[19] There are six core processes in ACT interventions: acceptance, cognitive defusion, self as context, being present, values, and committed action.