Age-Related Differences in Psychological Flexibility: A Cross-Sectional Study in a Dutch Population Sample

Psychological flexibility provides the ability to react upon and adapt to challenges across the lifespan, including thoughts, feelings or events, in a way that is consistent with personal values, thereby enhancing or sustaining wellbeing. The aim of this study is to improve our understanding of age-graded differences in psychological flexibility, by examining the relationship between (subcomponents of) psychological flexibility and age in a Dutch general population sample (N = 1770; Mage (SD) = 55.77 (14.31); 36.3% men and 63.7% women). The results show that the relationship between age and psychological flexibility was not significant when accounting for demographical variables, positive and negative affect. However, there was a significant relationship between age and five of the six subcomponents. Demographic variables (education, marital status, employment), as well as positive and negative affect, played a significant role, underscoring the importance of incorporating affective factors in future research on psychological flexibility. Additionally, the results have implication for future research, particularly in assessing interindividual trajectories through sequential longitudinal designs, and practical implication, especially valuable in our modern society with current challenges.