Development and Validation of a Scale to Measure Optimal Experience: The Flow State Scale

Abstract

The Flow State Scale (FSS) is a new measure of flow in sport and physical activity settings. The nine FSS scales of the 36-item instrument represent the dimensions of flow discussed by Csikszentmihalyi (1990, 1993), and each scale is measured by four items. Development of items was based on (a) past research with flow state both within and outside of sport settings, (b) qualitative analysis of interviews with elite athletes, and (c) quantitative analyses conducted in the present investigation. Internal consistency estimates for the nine FSS scales were reasonable (alpha M = 33) for administration of the scale to 394 athletes. Confirmatory factor analyses supported the nine scales. Consistent with the theoretical basis of the FSS, there was also support for a hierarchical model in which one global (higher order) flow factor explained correlations among the nine first-order FSS factors. Suggestions for use of the scale and for further research are discussed.

A systematic review of the experience, occurrence, and controllability of flow states in elite sport

“…A final limitation is that there is no comparison group within this review (i.e., the focus 8 was solely on elite athletes) and it is also interesting to question whether flow is experienced athletes to experience flow (Jackson, 1996). A set of ten factors have been found to influence 10 flow in terms of facilitating, preventing, and/or disrupting; leading to the possibility that these 11 could be the essential "ingredients" in producing flow.…”

“…Finally, in regard to qualitative studies using interviews, the technique researchers use In exploring and describing flow, studies have often conducted in-depth interviews 21 discussing previous flow experiences and retrospectively relying on the participant's memory 22 (e.g., Chavez, 2008; Jackson, 1995Jackson, , 1996. While this tendency has been as argued to be a which could be tailored to, or provide guidance for, studies in sport.…”

“…4 Therefore, the body of sport-specific flow literature that has emerged since 1992 has yet to be 5 systematically reviewed. Flow is particularly relevant for elite athletes who perform and compete at the highest 7 levels, under the most intense pressure, and with the greatest rewards at stake; therefore even (Jackson, 1996), and are regularly involved in the challenging, competitive situations that are 14 suggested to facilitate flow. They may also have developed exceptional mental skills which 15 facilitate flow experiences.…”

“…I am less aware of myself and my problems (Jackson, 1996, p.78) 12 13 Similarly, Sugiyama and Inomata (2005) asked a series of questions including "Have you had a 14 competition experience in which you were completely absorbed in what you were doing? "…”

“…"endless supply of energy", "body feels great", "no pain", and "feel strong" were coded into 16 autotelic experience (Jackson, 1996;Sugiyama & Inomata, 2005), which is defined as the fun, inductive analysis to let themes emerge from the data, which can then be compared to 20 Csikszentmihalyi's description of flow.…”