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Published in: Journal of Happiness Studies 8/2021

01-03-2021 | Research Paper

Interrelationships Among Dimensions of Flow and Reactance

Authors: Jacob M. Marszalek, Patricia L. Hager, Jacquelyn N. Anderson, Jack T. Waddell

Published in: Journal of Happiness Studies | Issue 8/2021

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Abstract

Flow is a motivational state occurring when one’s skill level is balanced with the challenge of a task, leading to optimal performance and profound enjoyment. Its connection with optimal performance has drawn interest in fields focused on performance—such as sports, education, and work—and its connection with enjoyment has drawn interest in fields focused on subjective well-being, such as leisure and mental health. Facilitation of flow can involve both personality traits that promote it and those that hinder it, such as reactance . Reactance occurs when one perceives either a threat to a freedom or its actual loss, leading to behaviors directed toward restoring that lost/threatened freedom. Reactance is negatively correlated with personality traits such as openness and positively correlated with neuroticism and anxiety, whereas flow is positively correlated with openness and negatively related with neuroticism and anxiety. After comparing several structural equation models using a sample of 369 postsecondary students, a first-order confirmatory factor analysis model was retained. Results indicated negative correlations between most flow factors and two of four reactance factors (resentment of authority and tolerance of conflict), and positive correlations with the remaining two (resistance to influence and preservation of freedom). Thus the strength and direction of the association between flow and reactance depend on the factors involved. These findings reflect a complex relationship between flow and reactance and provide insight into how optimal performance and subjective well-being can be better facilitated.

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Metadata
Title
Interrelationships Among Dimensions of Flow and Reactance
Authors
Jacob M. Marszalek
Patricia L. Hager
Jacquelyn N. Anderson
Jack T. Waddell
Publication date
01-03-2021
Publisher
Springer Netherlands
Published in
Journal of Happiness Studies / Issue 8/2021
Print ISSN: 1389-4978
Electronic ISSN: 1573-7780
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10902-021-00371-8

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