Physical Activity Flow Propensity

Abstract

Originally defined by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, flow, also known as optimal experience, has often been studied from the viewpoint of personal factors such as psychological, physiological, and neuroimaging correlates. Here we investigated a situational factor: the flow propensity of physical activities. In a cross-sectional study, 987 participants were asked to compare two activities of their choice on 16 facets related to flow. Using a Bayesian model to accommodate the sparseness of these data, some large differences were found among activities. Running and martial arts were examples of activities that were ranked low and high, respectively, in flow propensity. The propensity to enjoy flow is increased by the selection of a complex, high stakes activity that offers demand flexibility and takes place in a complex environment. As an exploratory study, more work is needed to confirm and extend these results; potential refinements of items and procedure are discussed.