How does it flow?: The role of flow in the relationship of physical activity and psychological well-being

• Main Author: Fernando, Katrina C.
• Format: text
• Language: English
• Published: Animo Repository 2010
• Subjects: Exercise—Psychological aspects; Well being; Health > Psychological aspects; Clinical Psychology; Psychology
• Online Access: https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/etd_masteral/6130; https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=13164&context=etd_masteral
• Institution: De La Salle University

The study investigated the relationship between physical activity, specifically its intensity and frequency, and psychological well-being (positive affect, life satisfaction, and self-esteem), and how the experience of flow during an activity would influence the relationship. Two hundred fifteen regular exercisers completed the well-being scales, the Flow State Scale and the Borg’s Perceived Exertion Scale. Results reveal that neither intensity nor frequency significantly correlated with any facet of well-being but was found correlated with certain dimensions of flow. Flow, on the other hand, was found to significantly correlate with psychological well-being. The flow dimension Concentration correlated with Intensity and with Positive Affect and Life Satisfaction; whereas, the flow dimension Loss of Self-Consciousness correlated with Frequency and Self-Esteem. These findings suggest that physical activity has an indirect effect on psychological wellbeing through the presence of flow dimensions, Concentration and Loss of SelfConsciousness. This study builds constructively on the theory of flow and how experiencing this may be beneficial to one’s well-being. Findings are deemed helpful in maximizing physical activity to bring about more favorable results in managing illnesses and improving overall health.