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Exploring Goal Flexibility and Mental Health in University Students: A Qualitative Approach
Ngai Yan Mary Chun1, Aaron Simpson2,3, Nikos Ntoumanis4,5
1College of Psychology, Central Queensland University, Rockhampton, Australia.
Summary
University students facing mental health challenges can use goal flexibility to maintain well-being. This involves adapting goal pathways or accepting unachievable goals, reinforcing personal agency.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Mental Health Research
- Student Well-being
Background:
- University students encounter obstacles impacting mental health.
- Goal flexibility is linked to well-being but its role during mental health challenges is understudied.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore how university students utilize goal flexibility amidst mental health challenges.
- To understand the interplay between goal flexibility strategies and student mental health.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative study involving interviews with 21 Australian university students.
- Data analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis.
Main Results:
- Two perceptions of goal flexibility emerged: modifying goal pathways and accepting unachievable goals.
- Students employed health behaviors, contemplative practices, and practical strategies to foster flexibility.
- Mental health challenges (stress, anxiety, depression, ADHD) influenced goal flexibility capacity.
- Goal flexibility positively impacted mental health by enhancing personal agency through processes like goal revision.
Conclusions:
- Goal flexibility can support student mental health by reinforcing agency, but excessive flexibility may be detrimental.
- Further research is needed on goal flexibility in diverse student populations and specific mental health conditions.
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