Flow is a highly sought-after state, as it is associated with increased performance and positive subjective experiences. Research is needed to establish the most effective flow interventions, especially in adventure recreation. Using a mixed-methods, quasi-experimental, between-within design with a control group, the present study investigated the impact of a multifaceted flow intervention, consisting of mindfulness, self-talk training and imagery, and an education-only flow intervention. The dependant variables were flow state and subjective performance. Participants were recruited from the general public (N = 54). The Flow Short Scale (Engeser & Rheinberg, 2008) and a subjective performance measure (Pain et al., 2011) were used. The flow-performance relationship was also investigated and the underlying mechanisms of both flow and performance were analysed through thematic analysis. There was a significant difference in participant’s flow (p < .001) and subjective performance (p < .001) after bouldering. There was a significant interaction between time and intervention type, the multifaceted group had the highest mean flow scores after bouldering, followed by the education-only intervention. Therefore, the multifaceted intervention may be a suitable tool for coaches and health promoters. There was a strong, positive relationship between subjective performance and flow. Mechanisms of flow and performance were also discovered.

Authors:
Tim McNichols, Dún Laoghaire Institute of Art, Design and Technology, Ireland
Olivia Wynne, University College Dublin, Ireland
John Greaney, Dún Laoghaire Institute of Art, Design and Technology, Ireland

About the Presenter(s)
Dr Tim McNichols is a University Assistant Professor/Lecturer at IADT in Ireland

See this presentation on the full schedule – Monday Schedule

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