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Cancer

Psychological Flexibility Predicts Wellbeing in Cancer Patients

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Psychological flexibility, a key construct in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), has been found to significantly predict wellbeing and functioning in people living with and beyond cancer. A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Portsmouth investigated whether psychological flexibility could be a crucial factor in the recovery and remission of cancer patients. The study involved 331 participants who were recruited online and followed up with 266 participants after approximately three months.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study found that psychological flexibility significantly predicted wellbeing and functioning in people living with and beyond cancer.
  • The research used a longitudinal design with two time points, approximately three months apart, to examine the relationship between psychological flexibility and wellbeing.
  • Participants were required to be at least 18 years of age, be in cancer remission, and resident in the United Kingdom.
  • The mean age of participants was 51.65 (SD = 13.99), and the mean length of remission in months was 89.45 (SD = 80.59).
  • The study used cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses to examine the relationship between psychological flexibility and wellbeing.
  • The researchers found that age, years since diagnosis, time in remission, ethnicity, cancer type, and cancer stage were adjusted for as covariates.
  • The study provides evidence for the relevance of psychological processes targeted in ACT-based interventions in the context of people living with and beyond cancer.

Statistics:

  • 331 participants were recruited for the study.
  • 266 participants were retained after approximately three months, with an 80% retention rate.
  • The mean age of participants was 51.65 (SD = 13.99).
  • The mean length of remission in months was 89.45 (SD = 80.59).
  • The mean years since diagnosis was 8.91 (SD = 6.99).
  • The study used a p-value of < 0.01 to indicate statistical significance.

Sources:

  • NewsRx. Investigators at University of Portsmouth Discuss Findings in Cancer (The Role of Psychological Flexibility In Relation To Health Outcomes In People In Remission From Cancer). Psychology & Psychiatry Journal. November 1, 2025; p 2187.
  • British Journal of Health Psychology. 2025;30(3). British Journal of Health Psychology can be contacted at: Wiley, 111 River St, Hoboken 07030-5774, NJ, USA.

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