Experiences of everyday flow and their impact on well-being
Conference Contribution ResearchOnline@JCUAbstract
Background: The experience of flow is an absorption in one’s action resulting in an enhanced quality of performance. Researchers have pointed to methodological issues with previous research on the topic of flow—for instance, with how questions concerning motivation and anticipation were asked and whether the ebb and flow of everyday life was considered. Moreover, while literature examining the association between performance anxiety and psychological flow in music, sport and public speaking indicates a significant, negative relationship between performance anxiety and psychological flow, no studies have examined performance anxiety on psychological flow in everyday activities. Additionally, it is important to consider how experiences of psychological flow in everyday life might impact perceived well-being. Aims: The present study aimed to broadly investigate people’s experience of flow across everyday genres that include a performance element (e.g., when performing music, playing sport, work, etc.). It asked how everyday experiences of flow can be defined and considered whether performance anxiety significantly moderates the relationship between proneness for flow and the experience of flow. Additionally, the study examined whether the experience of psychological flow in everyday life positively influenced perceived well-being. Method: Australian residents were invited to take part in the research. To overcome the limitation of previous work that relies on only one retrospective survey, a two timepoint design was used wherein participants complete two online, mixed-methods questionnaires. They completed the first survey prior to an upcoming performance activity; and questions concerned detailing the upcoming activity (including level of performance anxiety and motivations), as well as measures of proneness for flow, locus of control, well-being, and demographics. In the second survey, participants were asked to reflect on their performance (experience of flow, quality of performance, etc.) and to complete measures of well-being. Results: Data collection is currently underway. First, it is anticipated that results will distinguish facets of flow associated with everyday life, such that comparing the defining features of flow across performance genres will be possible. Second, it is anticipated that analyses will demonstrate significant negative association between performance anxiety and psychological flow. Further analyses will address how experiences of psychological flow relate to well-being. Conclusions: The present study extends research into psychological flow to more fully explore the role of performance anxiety and impact on perceived well-being. Findings have theoretical implications for considering how performance anxiety may influence participation in everyday performative activities and, thus, might influence individual well-being. In addition, the findings have practical implications for how educators, employers, and leisure opportunity providers develop environments and activities that are conducive to people experiencing psychological flow.
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ISPS 2021: International Symposium on Performance Science
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2
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Montreal, Canada and Zoom
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International Symposium on Performance Science
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Montreal, Canada
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