Mental rigidity is the opposite of mental flexibility. It describes how strongly we tend to stick to familiar ways of thinking and doing things, particularly when circumstances change.
People who are high on rigidity may have difficulty adapting to new situations, changing their minds, or abandoning a plan that no longer works. They may prefer familiar things, clear routines, and definite answers.
However, rigidity isn’t all bad. Some traits associated with it, such as persistence, consistency, and goal-oriented behavior, can be very useful. This doesn’t mean that mentally flexible people aren’t persistent or goal-oriented. It simply means that these qualities can sometimes be part of a more rigid personality style.
Mental flexibility, on the other hand, helps you adjust to new circumstances, deal with different kinds of people, consider alternative explanations, and see new possibilities. But once again, being flexible doesn’t automatically mean being better at everything. A very flexible person can still be stubborn about certain things, and a very rigid person can be surprisingly flexible in others.
The test below is an informal self-reflection test designed to measure where you fall on the mental rigidity / flexibility continuum.
Answer TRUE or FALSE.
I take time to listen to other people’s opinions.
True
False
I can be friendly with people whose actions I don’t approve of.
True
False
When a plan stops working, I can change it without feeling that I failed.
True
False
I can be spontaneous when the situation calls for it.
True
False
I can change my mind when someone gives me better information.
True
False
I can tolerate not having a clear answer without becoming too uncomfortable.
True
False
I can usually see more than one reasonable explanation for another person’s behavior.
True
False
I can admit my mistakes.
True
False
I can let a disagreement go without needing the other person to agree with me.
True
False
I enjoy exploring unfamiliar places, ideas, or experiences.
True
False
I am open to trying a different way of doing something if it seems better.
True
False
Unexpected changes don’t upset me for very long.
True
False
I really dislike having my plans changed at the last minute.
True
False
I feel uncomfortable when things are disorganized or not done in the usual order.
True
False
I sometimes defend my point of view long after the discussion has stopped being useful.
True
False
I usually choose familiar options over new ones, even when the new option might be just as good.
True
False
I have been told that I am stubborn.
True
False
Once I find a way of doing something that works, I see little reason to change it.
True
False
Sometimes I get stuck in my thinking and can’t see new possibilities.
True
False
I sometimes say “no” to new ideas before really considering them.
True
False
I like to have a clear plan and know what is going to happen.
True
False
I pursue my goals despite obstacles.
True
False
I am a very persistent person.
True
False
I can work toward the same goal for a long time without losing interest.
True
False
0-7: Low rigidity / High mental flexibility
8-16: Moderate rigidity / Moderate mental flexibility
17-24: High rigidity / Low mental flexibility
Keep in mind that neither end of this scale is a complete personality description. A low rigidity score doesn’t mean that you lack discipline, persistence, or the ability to stick to your goals. Likewise, a high rigidity score doesn’t mean that you are incapable of changing your mind or adapting when necessary.
The test simply looks at which style you seem to lean toward.
Are You a Flexible Thinker? [TEST]
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