Personality Traits As Predictors Of Domain Specific Flow Proneness

Abstract

To gain a full understanding of the factors predicting flow experience, it is important to consider personality and situational factors simultaneously. The aim of this study was to assess whether the association between personality traits and flow proneness differs across domains. Since there are some inconsistencies in findings related to which personality traits predict flow proneness, in this study we hypothesized that personality traits predict flow differently, depending on the domain in which it is experienced (studying, routine activities, leisure and playing an instrument). The participants were 165 students of the Academy of Music of the University of Zagreb, with a mean age of 20 years. Personality traits were measured by the International Personality Item Pool (IPIP50) and flow proneness in specific domains was measured with an adapted Swedish Flow Proneness Questionnaire. Hierarchical regression analysis showed that conscientiousness is the most consistent predictor of flow proneness, being a significant predictor of flow in all domains. It was the only significant predictor of flow in routine activities. Other significant personality predictors were emotional stability for flow during leisure and studying, extraversion for flow while studying, and intellect for flow during the playing of music. The study provides support for autotelic personality but also gives an insight into personality traits relevant for situation-specific flow proneness. While the hypothesis that different personality traits predict flow in different domains was supported, it was also found that conscientiousness is the most consistent predictor of flow in all situational settings.