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Psychological (In)Flexibility Mediates the Effect of Loneliness on Psychological Stress. Evidence from a Large Sample of University Professors

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  • David Ortega-Jiménez

    (Department of Psychology, Universidad Técnica Particular de Loja, Loja 110107, Ecuador
    Department of Social Psychology, School of Labour Relations & Human Resources, University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain)

  • Pablo Ruisoto

    (Department of Health Sciences, Public University of Navarre, 31006 Pamplona, Spain)

  • Francisco Díaz Bretones

    (Department of Social Psychology, School of Labour Relations & Human Resources, University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain)

  • Marina del Rocío Ramírez

    (Department of Psychology, Universidad Técnica Particular de Loja, Loja 110107, Ecuador)

  • Silvia Vaca Gallegos

    (Department of Psychology, Universidad Técnica Particular de Loja, Loja 110107, Ecuador)

Abstract

Psychological stress, loneliness, and psychological inflexibility are associated with poorer mental health and professional performance in university teachers. However, the relationship between these variables is understudied. The aim of the present study is to analyze the mediating role of psychological (in)flexibility on the effect of loneliness on psychological stress. A total of 902 professors from 11 universities in Ecuador were analyzed using standardized scales: the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-14) to assess psychological stress, the Loneliness Scale Revised-Short (UCLA-3) for loneliness, and the Avoidance and Action Questionnaire (AAQ-7) and Life Engagement Test as double measures of psychological (in)flexibility. Mediation was tested by using PROCESS macro for SPSS. The results indicated that psychological flexibility mediated the relationship between loneliness and stress in university professors, regardless of sex and the measure of psychological (in)flexibility considered. The practical implications of the results are discussed herein.

Suggested Citation

  • David Ortega-Jiménez & Pablo Ruisoto & Francisco Díaz Bretones & Marina del Rocío Ramírez & Silvia Vaca Gallegos, 2021. "Psychological (In)Flexibility Mediates the Effect of Loneliness on Psychological Stress. Evidence from a Large Sample of University Professors," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(6), pages 1-8, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:6:p:2992-:d:516892
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Renata Teles & Antonio Valle & Susana Rodríguez & Isabel Piñeiro & Bibiana Regueiro, 2020. "Perceived Stress and Indicators of Burnout in Teachers at Portuguese Higher Education Institutions (HEI)," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(9), pages 1-11, May.
    2. Inmaculada Méndez & Juan Pedro Martínez-Ramón & Cecilia Ruiz-Esteban & José Manuel García-Fernández, 2020. "Latent Profiles of Burnout, Self-Esteem and Depressive Symptomatology among Teachers," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(18), pages 1-10, September.
    3. Marialuz Arántzazu García-González & Fermín Torrano & Guillermo García-González, 2020. "Analysis of Stress Factors for Female Professors at Online Universities," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(8), pages 1-13, April.
    4. José-María Fernández-Batanero & Pedro Román-Graván & Miguel-María Reyes-Rebollo & Marta Montenegro-Rueda, 2021. "Impact of Educational Technology on Teacher Stress and Anxiety: A Literature Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(2), pages 1-13, January.
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