ABSTRACT
Psychological flexibility is an important but relatively neglected construct in the domain of positive psychology. Though inflexibility of thought, emotion, and behavior often provides significant markers for diagnosing problems with mental health and well-being, a mere absence of psychopathology does not necessarily indicate beneficial impact of psychological flexibility. Psychological flexibility is a multidimensional construct that has been defined to include adaptation to fluctuating situational demands, reconfiguration of mental resources, shifting of perspectives, and balancing of competing desires, needs and life domains. In this sense, psychological flexibility concerns more with interactions of the individuals with their environment, rather than inherent personality traits or dispositions. This chapter conceptualizes psychological flexibility as consisting of two major interdependent domains, namely, cognitive flexibility and emotional adaptability. Providing a brief overview of the existing research in the area, this chapter proposes that there is a need to constructively engage with the concept of psychological flexibility and systematically assess its role in social, emotional and behavioral adaptability that often contributes significantly to resilient outcomes under difficult circumstances. In the applied domain, the chapter proposes that training military personnel for developing psychological flexibility can enhance their preparedness for facing difficult circumstances, as well as act as a buffer for dealing with day to day stressors inherent in the military life.
