Depresión e inflexibilidad psicológica en adultos jóvenes: revisión sistemática a partir de la experiencia práctica

Abstract

Abstract: This study addresses the issue of depression in young adults (ages 18 35), a prevalent mental disorder that significantly impacts academic, occupational, and social functioning. The overall objective of this research was to examine the relationship between depression and psychological inflexibility among young adults, with a particular focus on the role of experiential avoidance and rumination in the persistence of emotional distress. To achieve this objective, a systematic review was conducted following the PRISMA guidelines, which included five empirical studies published between 2020 and 2026. Furthermore, the evidence reviewed demonstrates a positive association between higher levels of psychological inflexibility and greater intensity of depressive symptoms. Additionally, based on the synthesis of practical evidence, a clinical case of a young adult with major depressive disorder is analyzed using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). These results suggest that therapeutic approaches aimed at strengthening psychological flexibility may promote a clinical response better tailored to the needs of the study population. For this reason, it is recommended to incorporate interventions focused on the psychological processes that maintain depression, rather than solely on symptom reduction.