D149

Psychological Flexibility

BD13 Philosophical & Meta Traits
Derived LayerMML-1

Version v1.2.4

Definition

The ability to shift thinking and behavioral strategies to fit context without breaking or getting stuck; to move between modes while preserving coherence.

Poles

Each HES element is a spectrum, not a category: the Low and High poles describe how it presents at its two extremes, while the Reference marks the typical, everyday middle. The poles map variation across the range — neither end is inherently better or worse.

Low Pole

Rigid: persists with a failing strategy; poor adjustment to changing conditions.

High Pole

Flexible: rapidly tests alternatives and changes strategy based on feedback while maintaining core goals and values.

Reference

Flexible in familiar domains, rigid in threat/shame/status domains.

Measure

Primary: Adaptability — speed and quality of strategy change when conditions and feedback shift.
Secondary: Range — number of distinct modes/strategies available across contexts.

Measuring Methods

Rule-shift task series with metrics for “time-to-switch” and “quality of new strategy”; real-world adaptability sampling.

Empirical Anchor

Psychological flexibility (Kashdan & Rottenberg, 2010); ACT psychological flexibility model (Hayes et al., 2006).

Notes

Overlaps with Learning Agility (D044) and Cognitive Switching Hygiene (D063), but D149 is broader—life-level strategy flexibility.

Citation

APA

Human Elements System. (2026). Psychological Flexibility (HES Passport D149, v1.2.4). hestable.com. https://hestable.com/passport/D149

BibTeX

@misc{hes_D149, author = {{Human Elements System}}, title = {{Psychological Flexibility}}, year = {2026}, note = {HES Passport D149, v1.2.4}, howpublished = {\url{https://hestable.com/passport/D149}} }