Psychological Flexibility as a Developmental Resource in Later Life: Associations With Loneliness.
1Department of Nursing/Psychiatric Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ondokuz Mayis University, Samsun, Turkey.
International Journal of Aging & Human Development
|May 19, 2026
Summary
Older adults experiencing loneliness may benefit from increased psychological flexibility. This study found a strong inverse association between psychological flexibility and perceived loneliness in adults aged 65 and older.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Psychology
- Public Health
Background:
- Loneliness in later life is a significant issue influenced by psychological, social, and health factors.
- Psychological flexibility is a potential protective factor against loneliness, but its role in older adults is not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between psychological flexibility and perceived loneliness in older adults.
- To explore the relationship between psychological flexibility subdimensions and specific types of loneliness (emotional and social).
Main Methods:
- An online survey was administered to 182 adults aged 65+ in Türkiye's Black Sea region.
- Descriptive statistics, Spearman correlation, and internal consistency analyses were performed using SPSS 24.0.
Main Results:
- A strong inverse association was observed between psychological flexibility and perceived loneliness (ρ = -0.824, p < .01).
- All subdimensions of psychological flexibility, particularly Self-as-Context and Values and Committed Action, were linked to reduced emotional and social loneliness.
- Reliability analyses confirmed high internal consistency for all measures used.
Conclusions:
- Higher levels of psychological flexibility are associated with reduced loneliness in older adults.
- Psychological flexibility is a crucial resource for older adults and a potential target for interventions aimed at mitigating loneliness.
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