Measuring psychological flexibility and inflexibility: further psychometric evidence of the Multidimensional Psychological Flexibility Inventory short form (MPFI-24) in Spanish population

Abstract

The Multidimensional Psychological Flexibility Inventory (MPFI) is a recently developed measure of psychological flexibility and inflexibility (PF and PI) based on the Hexaflex/Inflexahex Model. The aim of this article was to assess the factorial structure, reliability, and convergent and criterion validity of the MPFI-24 in a sample from Spain. The MPFI-24 was tested in a sample of 508 university students (Study 1). Items comprising the acceptance and Experiential Avoidance (EA) subscales were rewritten and tested in a sample of 406 university students (Study 2). Participants completed online cross-sectional surveys including the Spanish MPFI-24, and measures of PF, PI, and mental health. Confirmatory factor analysis showed a six-component first-order factor structure for PF and for PI. The MPFI-24 demonstrated acceptable internal consistency, temporal stability, and convergent and criterion validity. The MPFI-24 is a promising tool. Potential areas for improvement of the measure are discussed.