title: On the contribution of psychological flexibility to predict adjustment to breast cancer.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  This study explored the contribution of Psychological Flexibility (PF) to predict adjustment to breast cancer.
  
  
  METHODS
  Sixty-four females with breast cancer completed self-report measures of PF and adjustment (anxiety, depression, negative and positive affect) at baseline, and forty-two patients returned for assessment six months later.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Higher flexibility at baseline significantly contributed to predict lower anxiety, depression and negative affect at follow-up. The effect sizes ranged from moderate to large.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Results provide evidence for targeting PF to prevent enhanced psychological distress in patients with breast cancer, and add to a growing body of research supporting PF as a common protective factor across different contexts and populations.
authors.affiliation: University of Pisa (Italy).
authors.forename: Carmen
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Berrocal Montiel
authors.forename: Teresa
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Rivas Moya
authors.forename: Francesca
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Venditti
authors.forename: Olivia
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Bernini
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D005544:Forecasting; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D055815:Young Adult