Exploring the interactions underlying flow states: A connecting analysis of flow occurrence in European Tour golfers (original) (raw)
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An inductive exploration into the flow experiences of European Tour golfers
Qualitative Research in Sport, Exercise and Health, 2014
This study explored perceptions regarding the experience of flow (Csikszentmihalyi 1975) in elite golf; a sport which is different to those studied previously due to its selfpaced, stop-start nature. In-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 European Tour golfers. Whereas the majority of previous studies have deductively coded data into Csikszentmihalyi's dimensions, the data in this study were analysed inductively. Thirteen categories were generated which described the flow experiences of these golfers, and these were compared to the original flow dimensions after analysis. In contrast to previous understanding, these golfers reported being aware that they were in flow as it occurred, and seemingly were able to manage their flow experiences. A category describing altered cognitive and kinaesthetic perceptions was also generated which was not accounted for in the existing flow framework, while the participants also suggested that flow was observable (e.g., through changes in behaviour). Findings are discussed in relation to existing literature, and recommendations made for future research including possible revisions to the flow framework to better describe this experience within golf and other sporting contexts.
Exploring flow occurrence in elite golf
2011
Research on flow (Csikszentmihalyi, 1975) has traditionally focused on reactive, externally-paced sports (eg, tennis) without exploring those that are self-paced and stop-start in nature. This study investigated the occurrence of flow in a sample of thirteen elite golfers by conducting semi-structured interviews discussing:(i) their experiences of flow,(ii) factors that influenced flow occurrence, and (iii) the controllability of these experiences.
The Effect of a Client-Centered Approach on Flow States and the Performance of Three Elite Golfers
International journal of golf science, 2012
This study examined the effect of a client-centered approach to consultancy on the performance and flow experiences of three elite golfers during golf competitions organized by the European Golf Tour. Interviews were used to explore the experi-ential knowledge and psychological strategies of each golfer. After gathering this information the first author applied his academic and consultancy expertise to help clients fit their psychological strategies into a preshot routine for putting, driving, iron play, chipping, and sand shots. Their performance and flow state experiences were analyzed using a single-subject, multiple baselines, across subjects design combined with a procedure to monitor clients' internal experience (Wollman, 1986). The results indicated that all three clients improved their mean stroke average and increased their mean flow scores from baseline to intervention. There were a few overlapping data points between baseline and intervention conditions for the performance scores. The qualitative data provides an insight into how elite golfers use their psychological skills to control psychological states such as flow and enhance performance.
Psychology of Sport and Exercise, 2015
Highlights Mixed-method data were collected from professional golfers' excellent performances Two distinct psychological states were reported to underlie these performances "Letting it happen" corresponded with the description and definition of flow "Making it happen" was more effortful and intense, and therefore different to flow Both states occurred through separate processes and goals, which are described Abstract Objectives: In this study we aimed to better understand the occurrence and experience of flow in elite golf. As flow is more likely to occur during peak performances, and for elite athletes, our objectives were to: (i) identify golfers who achieved exceptional performances (e.g., winning a professional tournament), and (ii) explore if and how they experienced flow within that performance. Design: Mixed-method multiple case study. Method: Participants were 10 professional golfers (M age = 30; SD = 9.9). Performance data and participant observations informed semi-structured interviews which took place as soon as possible after an excellent performance (M = 4 days). Data were interpreted inductively using within-case then cross-case analysis. Results: These golfers reported that they experienced two different psychological states during their excellent performances. These states were described as "letting it happen" which corresponded with the definition and description of flow, and "making it happen" which was more effortful and intense, involving a heightened awareness of the situation and therefore differing to flow. Both states occurred through different processes, and "letting it happen" was a relatively gradual build-up of confidence, whereas "making it happen" was a more sudden stepping-up of concentration and effort. Conclusion: These findings are discussed in relation to existing literature on flow and related optimal psychological states in sport. Recommendations are then made for future research into the experience and occurrence of both states reported in this study.
Understanding Flow Experiences in Professional Athletes
European Journal of Education Studies, 2020
The aim of this research is to determine the optimal mood of the professional athletes and to examine the direction of these variables. While 506 participants from different branches who are doing sports in a professional sense are selected through sampling for the purpose of the research, the data is obtained by Dispositional Flow-2 scale. The scale form is developed by Jackson and Elkund (2004), adapted by Asci et al (2012) in Turkish and determined by Dasdan Ada et al. (2012) through validity and reliability studies, consisted of 36 items and 9 sub-dimensions. Descriptive statistics, independent sample t test, one-way analysis of variance Anova tests were used in the analysis of the data. The internal reliability coefficient for the entire DFS-2 was determined as .94. According to the findings, significant relationships and differences were determined based on the fact that professional athletes constantly display optimal mood level at average values, sports branch, duration of d...
A Study Investigating The Experience Of Flow In Sports Participation
This study investigates the experience of Csikszentmihalyi’s theory of flow in sport. Three participants were interviewed about their experience of flow in the chosen sport and their transcripts were analysed using Smith et al. (1999) Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. Themes were drawn out from each transcript and cross referenced. Nine themes were identified, five of which related to flow. Three of these themes became the main focus for analysis. Analysis provided experiences of flow in sports and findings supported the theory of flow and previous research.
Taking a Swing at Sport Psychology: A case study of an athlete participating in Golf
Objective: To show that describing and structuring an athlete's subjective experiences can be instrumental in better understanding the elements contributing to and deterring from optimal performance. Design: A single case study. ABSTRACT: This project is the result of research done in the field of Sport Psychology as part of the author's post graduate studies. The author has participated in various types of sport in her life but found golf to be the most challenging, not only from a skills perspective but specifically from a psychological perspective. In no other sport has she experienced her emotions and unconscious world to become so obvious and transparent, and have such an influence on her performance, as in golf. When her studies called for a research project in sport psychology, she saw that as the perfect opportunity to explore the inner workings of the pro-golfer and find out if top players shared her experiences and how they mitigated the challenges posed by this mystical game. This project summarizes and integrates recent empirical and theoretical research on sustained performance and performance enhancement in sport and draws comparisons between these findings and the impressions of a pro golfer actively participating in golf. The need to view performance as a multi-faceted construct made up of cognitive, psychological and physiological aspects was emphasized as well as the importance of understanding the theories behind these factors. Influences on performance enhancement and detraction were separated into two categories, namely internal and external. The theoretical contributions, research into and intervention strategies relating to these elements were identified and discussed. It should be noted that there is no finite list of elements influencing performance in sport; the elements discussed were chosen to explore some of the elements identified by the research participant involved in the case study. It was concluded that the professional golfer makes use of similar practices as is evident and recorded in academic studies in the field and has experienced similar feelings as the author but has managed to mitigate the influence of it on his game by employing various mental and bio-mechanical methods on a regular basis. The author was particularly fascinated by the research participant's recollections of play while in flow state and feel that more research in this field would benefit the understanding of this furtive state which could potentially enable the attainment of flow state more easily and therefore potentially enhance performance in all spheres of life – not just sport.
Motivation, Task Orientation And Ego Orientation Influence Flow Experience Among Golfer
2014
The popularity of golf sport in Malaysia has been linked to growing demands and this trend is expected to continue. Most of the golfer seeks specific needs and wants to meet their motivation satisfaction. Several studies have exp lored motivating factors for sports participation among people, but limited data availab le regard ing factors motivating golfer to participate in sports specifically by embracing the flow theory. Therefore, this paper attempts to provide insight into how motivation, task orientation, ego orientation, influences flow experiences of golfers. By using the purposive sampling, a total of 100 (n=100) golfer was interviewed using quantitative method. Three hypotheses were tested, two were significant and one was not accepted (task orientation). Thus, club managers need to manoeuvre the marketing strategy and focus on social aspect for the golfer engaging in golf and create pleasure experience. Future research needs to investigate the differences between ego, goal and task orientation that influence flow experience among other sport setting.
A systematic review of the experience, occurrence, and controllability of flow states in elite sport
Objectives: This study aimed to provide an up-to-date summary of the literature on flow in elite sport, specifically relating to: (i) how flow is experienced; (ii) how these states occur; and (iii) the potential controllability of flow. Design: Systematic review. Methods: A comprehensive literature search of SPORTdiscus, PsycINFO, SAGE journals online, INGENTA connect, and Web of Knowledge was completed in August, 2011, and yielded 17 empirical studies published between 1992 and 2011. The primarily qualitative findings were analysed thematically and synthesised using a narrative approach. Results: Findings indicated that: (i) some flow dimensions appear to be experienced more consistently than others; (ii) key factors were consistently reported to induce or inhibit flow occurrence; and (iii) the perception that flow experiences could be controllable to some extent, and are not merely 'coincidental'. Additionally, it is appears that physiology is also relevant in flow, and these experiences may be psychophysiological.
Psychology
Previous research has highlighted the role of internal states in the experience of flow in the sports performance context. This systematic review investigates the relationship between psychological correlates, personality dispositions, traits and internal states (motivation, goals, focus, and arousal) with the experience and occurrence of flow in professional athletes. There have been identified 17 studies published between 2012 and 2017 updating and extending Swann, Keegan, Piggott and Crust's (2012) systematic review. The results indicate that specific psychological correlates, personality traits and dispositions, and internal states are strongly correlated with the appearance of flow. The present study adds to the current research on the sports' flow experience highlighting the importance of constructs, such as confidence, anxiety, commitment, motives, goals, attention, optimal focus and arousal, and the "letting it go" state.