The concept of rigidity: An enigma

Abstract

A controversy about the nature of behavioral rigidity exists in current psychological theory. To date, large bodies of empirical data have been accumulated which support two major theoretical perspectives. A dichotomy exists between the assumption that rigidity is a personality factor and the perspective that maintains that rigidity is task specific, a behavioral phenomena observable under certain conditions. This paper highlights the dichotomy by examining some of the relevant classical and recent research in the area. It is concluded that the concept must be used cautiouslyby both researchers and practitioners.The concept of rigidity has long been a source of interest to and discord among psychologists and counsellors. There is no question that flexibility in functioning -the ability to adapt to any given situation, is an extremely desirable trait. It allows one to function in changing circumstances and to resist premature closure. Rigidity on the other hand results in an intolerance for ambiguity and an excessive need for structure. Currently the term is extensively employed by researchers and therapists and is used to describe a wide variety of behaviors including the tendency to perseverate, an inability to change habits and the inability to modify concepts and attitudes once developed.Over the years, a number of authors have attempted to trace the development of the concept (Chown (1959), Oliver and Ferguson (1951), Rubenowitz (1963). Chown (1959, p. 195) for example, notes that initial use of the term perseveration in the psychological literature can be attributed to Neisser in 1894; however, it wasn't until 1927 that Spearman attempted a specific description of the term while conducting his now famous studies on mental inertia (an inability to process information quickly). Spearman's work triggered a number of other investigations focused on demonstrating the existence of a perseveration tendency

Rigidity of construing of self and significant others and psychological disorder

“…Measures cannot be divorced from their theoretical basis, however, and it is noteworthy that the term 'rigidity' generally receives at best only a passing mention in psychology textbooks. There is perhaps a need for a more precise definition of the concept, as previously pointed out by Stewin (1983). Both personal construct theory (Kelly, 1955) and the field of cognitive psychology could have something to contribute 'to such theoretical elaboration.…”

A systematic review of the relationship between rigidity/flexibility and transdiagnostic cognitive and behavioral processes that maintain psychopathology

“…A longstanding debate within rigidity literature is whether rigidity is a dispositional trait or a task-specific phenomenon observable under certain conditions (Chown, 1959; Schultz & Searleman, 2002; Stewin, 1983). In line with Schulz and Searleman (2002), the definition given incorporates both dispositional and context-specific explanations of rigidity.…”

Rigidity as mediator between temperaments and social adjustment: A comparative study of teachers of madaris and schools of Pakistan

“…A rigid person refuses to appreciate others' viewpoints. She/he has her/his own thinking and always understands that her/his thinking is right, others are wrong, and she/he refuses to listen to others (Stewin, 1983).…”