Psychological (in)flexibility as a mediator between resilience and psychological outcomes in patients with cancer

Abstract Resilience and psychological flexibility are protective factors for mental health and well-being in the general population as well as in patients with cancer. Additionally, psychological inflexibility is a risk factor for poor wellbeing and psychopathology. Research suggests that psychological flexibility constitutes a resilience factor and mediates the association between resilience and psychological outcomes across various contexts. However, there is only sparse evidence regarding the mediating role of psychological inflexibility and flexibility processes in the relationship between resilience and psychological outcomes in patients with a chronic health condition. This study examined psychological inflexibility and flexibility processes as mediators of the relationship between resilience and psychological outcomes in patients with cancer. A total of N = 222 patients completed an online survey assessing resilience (Resilience Scale-11), psychological inflexibility (Acceptance and Action Questionnaire-2), distress (National Cancer Center Network distress thermometer), depression (Patient Health Questionnaire-8), anxiety (General Anxiety Disorder-7), and mental health-related quality of life (Short Form Health Survey-12). Across all bootstrapped mediation models, psychological inflexibility mediated the relationship between resilience and all psychological outcomes. Secondary analyses of acceptance of versus struggle with illness and value-based living versus obstruction showed partial mediation, with distinct patterns of association for each process. Our findings highlight psychological (in)flexibility as a key mediator between resilience and psychological outcomes in cancer patients. Obstruction showed the strongest association, suggesting that ACT-based interventions targeting psychological barriers may be particularly effective in enhancing resilience and mental health.