Relation between psychological flexibility, emotional intelligence and emotion regulation in adolescence

Abstract

Abstract The aim of this study is to explore the relationships between components of psychological flexibility and emotional regulation strategies in adolescence. In addition, to find out what emotional dysregulation factors could affect psychological flexibility. The sample was made up of 516 adolescents with an average age of 14 years. Emotional regulation was assessed with emotion intelligence and difficulties in emotion regulation. Psychological flexibility was assessed with experiential avoidance, cognitive fusion and acceptance. Results support the importance of emotion regulation and the psychological flexibility factor in adolescence. We found a clear association between problems regulating emotions and psychological inflexibility. This study point out the importance of psychological flexibility and emotion regulation of youth. In which, behaviors that in the beginning are not dysfunctional or maladaptive can become psychopathological due to psychological inflexibility. These results can be considered for their clinical and educational implications, as they confirm the importance of acceptance and flexible emotion regulation strategies.