Document Type

Journal Article

Publication Title

International Journal of Applied Positive Psychology

Publisher

Springer

School

Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA)

RAS ID

58135

Funders

Open Access funding enabled and organized by CAUL and its Member Institutions

Comments

Norsworthy, C., Dimmock, J. A., Nicholas, J., Krause, A., & Jackson, B. (2023). Psychological flow training: Feasibility and preliminary efficacy of an educational intervention on flow. International Journal of Applied Positive Psychology, 8(3), 531-554. https://doi.org/10.1007/s41042-023-00098-2

Abstract

Despite there being an increasing number of applied flow studies across scientific disciplines, there exists no consistent or broadly applicable intervention to promote flow experiences. This study provides a detailed account of a new educational flow training program developed following recent advancements in the flow literature that have provided a more parsimonious understanding of flow experiences and antecedents. Guided by CONSORT guidelines for feasibility trials, we conducted a single-group, non-randomized feasibility trial of an educational flow training program (N = 26). We assessed participant retention, perceptions about and experiences of the program, perceptions about the flow education training, and preliminary assessments of flow as an outcome. Results broadly supported program feasibility, and participants reported positive experiences in, and perceptions of, program components. In terms of preliminary efficacy, we observed evidence of noteworthy change pre-to-post-program in flow (d = 0.84), performance (d = 0.81), competence (d = 0.96), well-being (d = 0.68), intrinsic motivation (d = 0.47), interest (d = 0.72), choice (d = 0.38), stress (d = -1.08), ability to handle stress (d = 0.74), and anxiety (d = − 0.86). These results provide preliminary evidence that it may be possible to ‘train’ flow in line with recent perspectives on a core three-dimensional flow experience (and antecedents). The study has developed a research foundation for flow intervention “curriculum” and quality standards, and for measuring results. It offers a foundation for the implementation of a larger-scale program.

DOI

10.1007/s41042-023-00098-2

Creative Commons License

Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.

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