The Flow State Scale-2 and Dispositional Flow Scale-2: Examination of factorial validity and reliability for Japanese adults

Abstract

Objective The primary purpose of this study was to examine the factorial validity and reliability of the Japanese versions of the Flow State Scale-2 and Dispositional Flow Scale-2 (JFSS-2 and JDFS-2) for use with Japanese adults. Method To accomplish the aim, a multi-staged approach was employed. Following the guidelines for test adaptation [Tanzer, N. K., & Sim, C. Q. E. (1999). Adapting instruments for use in multiple languages and cultures: A review of the ITC guidelines for test adaptations. European Journal of Psychological Assessment, 15, 258–269], the two flow scales were translated from English to Japanese and the best 36 items for each instrument was identified through two pilot studies. Employing a 9-factor 1st-order hypothesized model, the factorial validity of the JFSS-2 and JDFS-2 was tested and cross-validated with confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). In addition to internal consistency reliability for the both scales, stability was assessed over a 4-week time period for the JDFS-2. Furthermore, measurement equivalence was examined across Japanese independent samples as well as two cultural samples. Results The results of a series of CFAs revealed that the data for the JFSS-2 and JDFS-2 were represented appropriately by the hypothesized 1st-order model. For the both scales, internal consistency estimates for all factors were satisfactory, whereas the stability of single factors over time were medium to high. Measurement invariance was established across the Japanese samples as well as the cultural samples. Conclusions The findings from this study provided strong support for the validity and reliability of the JFSS-2 and JDFS-2 in assessing flow experiences in physical activity for Japanese adults. In addition, this study indicated that the Japanese versions of the flow scales are useful instruments for cross-cultural research.