Predicting optimal experience: examining flow from the perspective of motivational intensity theory
Abstract
The present research explores the relationship between Csikszentmihalyi’s theory of
optimal experience, or flow, (Csikszentmihalyi, 1990) and Brehm’s integrated model of
motivational intensity theory (Brehm & Self, 1989; Wright, 1998). Flow is defined as a
state of intense focus, enjoyment, and lack of self-awareness that occurs when a person’s
ability for a given task is able to meet the demands of the task (Csikszentmihalyi, 1990;
Jackson & Marsh, 1996). The integrated model of motivational intensity theory (Wright,
1998) posits that energization is a function of difficulty and ability. To date, there has
been no empirical test examining the relationship between ability and difficulty in the
flow engagement model. Thus, the present study tests the hypothesis that the flow
experience is governed by the same energy conservation laws governing energization.
Using methodology adopted from Wright and Dill (1993), this study experimentally
manipulated perceived ability (poor versus excellent perceived ability) and perceived task
difficulty (unknown, easy, versus difficult) in a 2x3 factorial design. It was predicted that
participants in the poor-ability easy and unknown task difficulty conditions would report
greater flow and would energize more than participants in the difficult condition. It was
also predicted that participants in the excellent-ability unknown and difficult conditions
would report greater flow and energize more than participants in the easy condition. The
manipulation checks suggest that both manipulations of perceived ability and perceived
task difficulty were successful. Nevertheless, this study was unable to replicate previous
findings that suggest energization is the function of perceived ability and perceived task
difficulty. One explanation is that, unlike prior work on intensity theory, nearly all of the
measures were assessed during task performance. Consequently, this may have afforded
participants the opportunity to reassess the difficulty of the task. Importantly, this study
found that perceived ability, one’s perception of task competency, accounts for variations
in both the flow and energization measures. It was also found that positive affect captures
and predicts composite flow and autotelic scale scores. These findings can be useful for
flow researchers looking for alternative measures of flow, while also laying the
groundwork for future experimental research attempting to predict the flow experience.
Subject
Conduct of life
Attention
Happiness
Permanent Link
http://digital.library.wisc.edu/1793/76934Description
A Thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science-Psychology.