Testing the dysregulation of goal and activity identification hypothesis on mental health outcomes: The moderating effect of psychological flexibility

Abstract

The objective of this study is to test the dysregulation of goal/activity identification hypothesis and the role of psychological flexibility within it. A nonclinical sample of 247 adults completed the Personalized Psychological Flexibility Index (PPFI) and DASS-21. Participants' goal on the PPFI were categorized into abstract or concrete. The moderating effect of psychological flexibility on the relationship between goal abstraction and stress, depression and anxiety were examined. These relationships were explored using specific dimensions of psychological flexibility: harnessing, avoidance and acceptance. A significant interaction was found between psychological flexibility and goal abstraction on stress. Individuals who stipulated an abstract goal and had lower levels of psychological flexibility had significantly higher levels of stress. This relationship was not evident for concrete goals. These findings did not emerge when examining specific dimensions of psychological flexibility suggesting that multiple facets of psychological flexibility contribute to these findings. Harnessing was, however, unique. Individuals with a concrete goal and higher levels of harnessing had significantly higher stress. This study provides preliminary findings regarding the influence of psychological flexibility within the dysregulation of goal/action identification hypothesis. Future research, particularly in clinical samples is needed to confirm these associations and their combined role as a transdiagnostic process.