Flexible thinking means being able to look at things or situations in different ways. For example, if plans change suddenly, flexible thinking allows clients to adjust instead of getting too upset. Studies suggest that clients who learn to adjust their thinking and stay open to change tend to recover more easily from setbacks.
The Flexible Thinking Coping Skills handout is a helpful resource that introduces four strategies to strengthen flexible thinking. These include perspective-taking and accepting that some things are outside of our control. Clear explanations and examples are provided for each skill so clients can easily understand and apply them.
Kids and teens using the handout may develop flexible thinking skills that help them adapt, solve problems, and improve at home, in school, or with friends. To get started, they may focus on practicing one skill before moving on to the next.
Caring adults can remind young people that building flexible thinking is a gradual process. Celebrate small successes and encourage reflection on what worked or didn’t.
This handout pairs well with our 6-page Flexible Thinking Worksheets for those who want to support kids in applying flexible thinking concepts.
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Want more resources like this? Check out our full catalog of coping skills worksheets and handouts.
References:
- Nakhostin-Khayyat, M., Borjali, M., Zeinali, M., Fardi, D., & Montazeri, A. (2024). The relationship between self-regulation, cognitive flexibility, and resilience among students: a structural equation modeling. BMC Psychology, 12(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40359-024-01843-1
- Zheng, W., Akaliyski, P., Ma, C., & Xu, Y. (2024). Cognitive flexibility and academic performance: Individual and cross-national patterns among adolescents in 57 countries. Personality and Individual Differences, 217, 112455. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.paid.2023.112455
- Buttelmann, F., & Karbach, J. (2017). Development and Plasticity of Cognitive Flexibility in Early and Middle Childhood. Frontiers in Psychology, 8, 258078. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2017.01040
