(PS8-6) Connection Through Flexible Mindfulness: Mechanisms Linking Mindfulness/flexibility Processes to Individual and Relationship Functioning via the Unified Flexibility & Mindfulness Model

Background: The Unified Flexibility & Mindfulness (UFM) framework (Rogge & Daks, 2021) systematically integrates 14 unique processes of flexibility and mindfulness across a three-phase framework. This framework delineates the sequence of behavioral strategies individuals employ when encountering challenging thoughts, emotions, and situations. It thus forms a comprehensive theoretical link across the domains of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), mindfulness practices, and Buddhist teachings (Rogge et al., 2022). Within the UFM framework, the approach to challenging experiences initiates with mindful awareness practices (such as focusing on the present and articulating thoughts and emotions) that assist individuals in acknowledging these challenges without immediate reaction. This approach provides the necessary room for individuals to adaptively manage these experiences through decentering strategies (e.g., embracing these experiences, adopting a wider viewpoint during such times, and engaging with these experiences softly), which subsequently enables individuals to pursue actions aligned with their core values and goals, even in the face of adversity (e.g., consistently aligning daily actions with personal values and committing to long-term aspirations), thereby fostering overall well-being.

Methods: The current project evaluated the UFM within a cross-sectional sample of 810 individuals in romantic relationships (68% white; 50% female; Mage = 29) who completed well-validated measures of flexibility/mindfulness processes (UFM), individual functioning (e.g., PHQ-9, QoLI, VDL), relationship functioning (e.g., CSI, PN-RQ).

Results: Multi-group path analyses were conducted in Mplus to evaluate the UFM processes, associations between the UFM and relationship functioning, and test for gender invariance. Results provided further cross-sectional support for the UFM, and the model was largely invariant across men and women. A latent decentering variable (acceptance, self-as-context, defusion) demonstrated strong links to relationship functioning.

Conclusions: The UFM model offers mindfulness, ACT (psychological flexibility), and couples researchers with a stepwise, process-oriented method of linking mindfulness and psychological flexibility processes to individual and relationship well-being.