Is the Effect of Psychological Inflexibility on Symptoms and Quality of Life Mediated by Coping Strategies in Patients with Mental Disorders?

This study examined the relations among psychological inflexibility (PI), symptoms, and quality of life dimensions in psychiatric patients. It also explored how PI was associated with coping and the mediating effect of coping on the relationships of PI to symptoms and quality of life dimensions. The sample was composed of 164 psychiatric patients. Before starting cognitive-behavior therapy, patients completed the measures of PI, coping, symptoms, and quality of life. PI positively correlated with symptoms, denial, venting, behavioral disengagement, and self-blame. It was also related to lowered dimensions of quality of life, positive reframing, and acceptance. Denial and venting mediated the association of PI with somatic symptoms, whereas acceptance mediated the impact of PI on depressive symptoms. These results evidence the linkages between PI and unhelpful coping strategies and highlight how these maladaptive strategies can also influence the negative effect of PI on symptoms and quality of life in psychiatric patients.