Psychological flexibility improves athlete performance and mental wellbeing

Psychological flexibility plays an important role in both performance and wellbeing. This is the conclusion of a doctoral thesis by Lis Johles, which examined the relationship between psychological flexibility, mindfulness, mental health and performance among competitive athletes.

"Psychological flexibility is about the ability to handle distressing thoughts, emotions and bodily sensations while continuing to act in accordance with one's goals and values," says Lis Johles, who recently completed her PhD in Psychology at Karlstad University.

The findings show that athletes with higher levels of psychological flexibility report both better performance and a higher quality of life. The study included elite athletes, both senior athletes and high school athletes from football, ice hockey, handball, floorball, basketball and cross-country skiing.

As part of the research, a new instrument for measuring psychological flexibility in sport was developed: the Psychological Flexibility in Sport Scale (PFSS).

Why is psychological flexibility important for athletes?

It is about continuing to act in line with your goals and values despite internal discomfort. For example, an ice hockey player may become caught up in negative thoughts but still choose to focus on their performance. The thoughts remain, but they do not dictate behavior."

Lis Johles,PhD in Psychology, Karlstad University

Relaxation exercises as effective as mindfulness

The thesis also examined the mindfulness exercise known as body scanning and whether it could reduce anxiety and improve sleep and quality of life.

"The results show that both body scanning and a traditional relaxation exercise led to a slight reduction in anxiety symptoms. However, body scanning was no more effective than ordinary relaxation in reducing anxiety symptoms and sleep problems among high school athletes," says Lis Johles.

What advice would you give to coaches or elite athletes?

"To learn more about the relationship between psychological flexibility and mental health and to integrate body scan and relaxation exercises into regular mental recovery practices in order to maintain low levels of anxiety and sleep-related problems."