Psychological Inflexibility, Optimism and Perceived Stress among Adults

Psychological inflexibility has been considered as one of the predictors of psychopathology in individuals as well as it is a core concept in the Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) model. In this scenario of pandemic, all individuals especially adults are going through stress, anxiety and other behavioural problems. The purpose of this study was to understand the relation between psychological inflexibility, optimism and perceived stress in adults. It also looked into gender difference with respect to these three variables.  The aforesaid variables were assessed using Acceptance and Action Questionnaire -II (AAQ-2), Life Orientation Test- Revised (LOT-R), and Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) respectively, together with a socio-demographic and clinical data-sheet to collect associated information. Through convenience sampling 143 adults (60.1% women) were taken for the study. Participants mainly consisted of young adults with a mean age of 24.6 years, ranging from 22-41 years. The results revealed significant correlation between (1) psychological inflexibility and optimism (2) psychological inflexibility and perceived stress. No significant correlation was found between optimism and perceived stress. The result also shows that there was no gender difference with respect to psychological inflexibility, optimism and perceived stress. To conclude, the potential utility of acceptance and commitment therapy can be implemented to increased optimism and reduced stress.