Cognitive Flexibility Inventory

What it measures

Measures the ability to perceive difficult situations as controllable, produce multiple alternative explanations for events, and generate multiple viable solutions. Cognitive flexibility is a key transdiagnostic protective factor associated with lower depression, anxiety, and better psychological adjustment. Sensitive to CBT-related cognitive change.

Response format

Likert (1–7, strongly disagree to strongly agree)

Representative items

• I can find workable solutions to seemingly unsolvable problems. (Alternatives)
• I consider multiple options before making a decision. (Alternatives)
• I try to think about things from another person's point of view. (Alternatives)
• I can find positive aspects even in negative situations. (Alternatives)
• I feel like I have control over most situations in my life. (Control)

Usage notes & scoring

(R)=reverse-scored. Freely available from Jill Vander Wal. Two subscale scores and a total. Higher = greater cognitive flexibility. Sensitive to change in CBT. Widely used as a cognitive process variable in treatment research on depression, anxiety, and eating disorders.

Recommended companion scales

Citation

Dennis, J.P., & Vander Wal, J.S. (2010). The Cognitive Flexibility Inventory: Instrument development and estimates of reliability and validity. Cognitive Therapy and Research, 34(3), 241–253.

Keywords