Does Flexible Thinking Predict Student Well-being? A Study on Cognitive Flexibility and Psychological Distress

Abstract

In today’s fast-changing world, students need the ability to shift perspectives and adapt, which is vital for handling academic and emotional challenges. This study examined the role of cognitive flexibility in student well-being by exploring its link with psychological distress among 150 university students (ages 19–28) from Aligarh Muslim University. Data were collected using the Cognitive Flexibility Inventory (CFI) and Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10). Analyses (correlation, regression, t-test, ANOVA) revealed a significant negative correlation (r = –.523) between cognitive flexibility and psychological distress. Cognitive flexibility explained about 27.4% of the variance in distress, with differences across demographics. Findings suggest that fostering cognitive flexibility can reduce stress and promote psychological well-being.