Abstract
The purpose of the present study was two-fold, (1) to examine the psychological elements of flow state experienced by top athletes during competition and (2) to explore the psychological states leading to flow experience. Semistructured interviews were conducted with 29 Japanese athletes regarding experiences in which they felt they were able to display 100% of their abilities and which they fully enjoyed. Interview contents were classified by the main investigator and independently by an external examiner. Analysis indicated that 92.6% of elements agreed with Csikszentmihalyi's model of flow. Three categories in Jackson's nomenclature (1996), unambiguous feedback, concentration on the task at hand, and autotelic experience, reported at a higher rate in the present study, may be the basic characteristics of flow state. The psychological states leading up to flow state were placed into six categories: relaxed, self-confident, highly motivated, completely focused, lack of negative thoughts and feelings, and extremely positive. Relaxed, self-confident, and highly motivated were reported by most of the athletes, suggesting they are primary elements for an optimal experience.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.