Exploring Goal Flexibility and Mental Health in University Students: A Qualitative Approach

University students face obstacles while pursuing their goals, and these challenges risk undermining their mental health. Goal flexibility has been identified as beneficial for promoting well-being and protecting mental health; however, the relationship between goal flexibility and mental health challenges remains underexplored.

Citation:
Mary Chun NY, Simpson A, Ntoumanis N, Willis C, Milyavskaya M, Budden T. Exploring Goal Flexibility and Mental Health in University Students: A Qualitative Approach. Stress Health. 2026;42(3).

Keywords:
Goal adjustment; goal pursuit; interviews; mental wellbeing; reflexive thematic analysis

Abstract:
University students face obstacles while pursuing their goals, and these challenges risk undermining their mental health. Goal flexibility has been identified as beneficial for promoting well-being and protecting mental health; however, the relationship between goal flexibility and mental health challenges remains underexplored.