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Interrelationships Among Dimensions of Flow and Reactance

Author

Listed:
  • Jacob M. Marszalek

    (University of Missouri-Kansas City
    University of Missouri-Kansas City)

  • Patricia L. Hager

    (University of Missouri-Kansas City
    William Jewel College)

  • Jacquelyn N. Anderson

    (University of Missouri-Kansas City)

  • Jack T. Waddell

    (Arizona State University)

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Jacob M. Marszalek & Patricia L. Hager & Jacquelyn N. Anderson & Jack T. Waddell, 2021. "Interrelationships Among Dimensions of Flow and Reactance," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 22(8), pages 3385-3412, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:jhappi:v:22:y:2021:i:8:d:10.1007_s10902-021-00371-8
    DOI: 10.1007/s10902-021-00371-8
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Tahmine Tozman & Yichelle Y. Zhang & Regina Vollmeyer, 2017. "Inverted U-Shaped Function Between Flow and Cortisol Release During Chess Play," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 18(1), pages 247-268, February.
    2. Marta Bassi & Patrizia Steca & Dario Monzani & Andrea Greco & Antonella Delle Fave, 2014. "Personality and Optimal Experience in Adolescence: Implications for Well-Being and Development," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 15(4), pages 829-843, August.
    3. Fogarty, Jeanne S., 1997. "Reactance theory and patient noncompliance," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 45(8), pages 1277-1288, October.
    4. Thais Rogatko, 2009. "The Influence of Flow on Positive Affect in College Students," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 10(2), pages 133-148, April.
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    Keywords

    Flow; Reactance; Personality; Anxiety;
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