Longitudinal associations between psychological flexibility and inflexibility dimensions: A cross-lagged panel network analysis

Psychological flexibility (PF) and psychological inflexibility (PI) are two contrasting concepts central in acceptance and commitment therapy. The multidimensional psychological flexibility inventory (MPFI) could comprehensively assess the 12 factors of PF and PI, thus providing a measure to examine their internal relationships. In the current study, we used the cross-lagged panel network approach to explore the longitudinal associations between the 12 PF/PI components. A sample of 447 Chinese adults (mean age = 31.19, SD = 6.41) completed an online survey at two timepoints. The cross-sectional network revealed the central roles of self-as-context, defusion, fusion and experiential avoidance. The cross-lagged panel network revealed that fusion, committed action, and self-as-context were influential nodes on other dimensions, whereas inaction and defusion had high levels of predictability. The current findings shed new light on the internal structure of the PF/PI components, and elucidated nodes that were central in the cross-sectional status and longitudinal changes. The identified nodes may help inform clinicians of potential loci for intervention, and clarify the theoretical connections within the complex network of psychological flexibility processes.