Factors Influencing Psychological Flexibility in Adults With Generalized Anxiety Disorder: A Qualitative Study
Keywords:
Psychological flexibility, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Qualitative study, Semi-structured interviews, Mindfulness, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Coping strategiesAbstract
Objective: The aim of this study was to explore the factors influencing psychological flexibility in adults diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD).
Methods and Materials: This study employed a qualitative design using semi-structured interviews with 33 adults clinically diagnosed with GAD and residing in the United States. Participants were recruited through purposive sampling, and data collection continued until theoretical saturation was reached. Interviews lasted 45–70 minutes and were conducted either face-to-face or via secure online platforms. All interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed thematically using NVivo 14 software. To enhance rigor, multiple researchers coded the data, discrepancies were resolved through discussion, and reflexive memos were maintained throughout the process.
Findings: Analysis revealed three overarching themes with multiple subthemes. The first theme, cognitive–emotional regulation, included maladaptive thought patterns, emotional awareness deficits, avoidance versus acceptance struggles, lack of self-compassion, and attempts at cognitive reframing. The second theme, interpersonal and social contexts, encompassed the role of social support, interpersonal conflicts, role expectations, and experiences of stigma. The third theme, coping strategies and resources, highlighted the use of mind–body practices, behavioral adaptations, professional help-seeking, lifestyle adjustments, values orientation, and resilience-building. Participant quotations illustrated the tension between inflexibility (e.g., catastrophic thinking, self-criticism, concealment of symptoms) and adaptive coping strategies (e.g., mindfulness practices, values-driven actions).
Conclusion: This study provides an in-depth understanding of the multifaceted factors influencing psychological flexibility in adults with GAD. Findings underscore the interplay between cognitive-emotional processes, interpersonal dynamics, and coping resources, suggesting that interventions should not only target individual-level mechanisms such as acceptance and reappraisal but also address relational support and stigma reduction. Enhancing flexibility through mindfulness, self-compassion, and values-based strategies may improve resilience and functioning in this population.
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References
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