Striving for a perfect flow: Testing the 2 × 2 model of perfectionism in trail runners

Abstract

Flow pertains to the state of the total absorption in the present activity, intense focus, concentration, and enjoyment, accompanied by a loss of reflective consciousness. Previous studies pointed out flow as an indissoluble part of physical activity, helpful in fostering and maintaining autonomous motivation in professional and amateur sport. In the present study, within the framework of the 2 × 2 model of perfectionism, we investigated the relationships between two higher-order dimensions of perfectionism - personal standards (PSP) and evaluative concerns (ECP) and dispositional flow. In an online survey study, we collected data from 206 trail runners (63 females, 143 males), aged between 18 and 65 (M = 39.15, SD = 9.19), who took part in the European Running Festival (a competitive trail running event). Our results showed that flow was positively associated with PSP and negatively associated with ECP. Furthermore, the results provide seminal evidence in support of the 2 × 2 model in relation to flow in sport. With H1a and H2–H4 hypotheses of the model all being supported the model indicates that for achieving the most frequent flow pure PSP is the most beneficial, while pure ECP is the least beneficial.