The Association Between Psychological Flexibility and Mindfulness: A Meta-Analytic Review.
Fulya Turk, Ahmet Altinok
Behavior Therapy September 2026 DOI: 10.1016/j.beth.2026.04.005 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Meta-analysis Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 16,316 |
| Population | Participants across 45 published studies of psychological flexibility and mindfulness |
| Measures | Pearson's r, Fisher's z, Q, I2, tau-squared, AAQ-16, AAO-II, FFMQ, MAAS |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Cognitive-based process models Meta-analysis Moderator analysis Psychological flexibility |
| Key findings | Psychological flexibility and mindfulness show a robust positive association (pooled r = .44) across diverse populations and instruments, though the strength of the relationship varies with the measurement tools used. The authors argue this interdependence supports process-based models of adaptive functioning and suggest interventions targeting one construct may enhance the other. |
Abstract
Psychological flexibility and mindfulness are core constructs in contemporary models of adaptive functioning and clinical intervention. Although these constructs are conceptually linked, the empirical strength and consistency of their association remain unclear. This study presents the first meta-analytic review examining the correlation between psychological flexibility and mindfulness across published studies. A systematic literature search identified 45 eligible studies comprising a total of 16,316 participants. Effect sizes were calculated as Pearson's r and transformed into Fisher's z for analysis. Random-effects models were estimated using restricted maximum likelihood (REML). Between-study heterogeneity was evaluated using Q, I2, and τ2 statistics. Moderator analyses tested whether study characteristics (sample type, mean age, year of publication, sample size) and measurement features (type of psychological flexibility and mindfulness instrument, number of items) explained heterogeneity. Publication bias was assessed via funnel plots, regression tests, and the trim-and-fill method. The overall pooled correlation between psychological flexibility and mindfulness was significant (r = .44, 95% CI [.41, .53], p < .0001). Substantial heterogeneity was observed (I2 = 92.6%), warranting moderation analyses. Measurement-level moderators (type of psychological flexibility scale, number of items) significantly influenced effect sizes, whereas sample type, age, year, and sample size did not. Subgroup analyses revealed stronger correlations for AAQ-16 and AAO-II compared to other measures, and for FFMQ relative to MAAS. Publication bias analyses indicated no evidence of missing studies, and the trim-and-fill procedure confirmed the robustness of results (r = .44). Psychological flexibility and mindfulness demonstrate a robust positive association across diverse populations and instruments. However, the magnitude of this relationship varies by measurement tools, underscoring the importance of construct operationalization in future research. These findings highlight the interdependence of psychological flexibility and mindfulness within contemporary process-based models of adaptive functioning and suggest that interventions targeting one construct may enhance the other.
Comparable studies
Other systematic reviews and meta-analyses on meditation, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Meditation Programs for Psychological Stress and Well-being Diverse adult clinical populations | 2014 | Meta-analysis | n = 3,515 |
| Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction for Stress Management in Healthy People: A Review and Meta-Analysis Healthy subjects | 2009 | Systematic review and meta-analysis | |
| The psychological effects of meditation: A meta-analysis. Nonclinical groups of adult meditators | 2012 | Meta-analysis | n = 163 |
| Efficacy of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy in Prevention of Depressive Relapse Adults with recurrent depression in full or partial remission | 2016 | Meta-analysis of individual patient data from randomized controlled trials | n = 1,258 |
| Mindfulness‐Based Stress Reduction and Mindfulness‐Based Cognitive Therapy – a systematic review of randomized controlled trials | 2011 | Systematic review |
Citations in the library
Cites 6
- The benefits of being present: Mindfulness and its role in psychological well-being. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology 2003
- Using Self-Report Assessment Methods to Explore Facets of Mindfulness Assessment January 27, 2006
- Mindfulness Interventions Annual Review of Psychology September 30, 2016
- Mindfulness-Based Programs Improve Psychological Flexibility, Mental Health, Well-Being, and Time Management in Academics European Journal of Investigation in Health, Psychology and Education November 3, 2020
- The plasticity of well-being: A training-based framework for the cultivation of human flourishing. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences December 7, 2020
and 1 more in the library