The measurement and benefit of decentering for coping self-efficacy, flexibility, and ways of coping with interpersonal stress

Abstract

Decentering comprises meta-awareness, disidentification from internal experience, and reduced reactivity to thought. In two studies, we considered if commonly used decentering measures align with this 3-process model and examined whether decentering was associated with better stress and coping responses. Study 1 included 442 university students (60% female, Mage = 21.7 years) who completed three previously used decentering measures (28 items). Study 2 included 442 university students (54% female, Mage = 21.4 years) who completed measures of decentering, coping self-efficacy and flexibility, interpersonal stress, and coping responses to interpersonal stress. In Study 1, items that aligned with the 3-processes model loaded on two factors, labeled observer perspective (tapping two decentering elements of meta-awareness and disidentification from internal experience) and regulated reactivity to thought content. A third factor, represented by items not aligned with decentering, was labeled transcendent life reflection. In Study 2, the factor structure was confirmed, and decentering subscales were associated with greater coping efficacy and flexibility, less use of disengagement/involuntary coping, and less perceived interpersonal stress. Observer perspective and transcendent life reflection were associated with more engagement coping. The findings support decentering as a multidimensional construct that is associated with greater efficacy and more flexible and adaptive stress responding.