Facilitating or foiling flow: the role of momentary perceptions of feedback

ABSTRACT

When presented with opportunities for action that are optimally challenging in relation to one’s skills combined with clearly defined goals, and feedback regarding how well one is doing, an individual is able to completely focus attention on the present moment. Although these preconditions have been identified as being necessary for flow to occur questions remain as to how they interact to promote this sought after, yet elusive state. Study 1examined the role perceptions of feedback (POF) played in either facilitating or foiling flow for a sample of amateur and professional billiard players. Positive POF were found to facilitate flow, whereas negative POF prevented flow from occurring. Mind wandering and mindfulness were also assessed in relation to flow and POF. Exploratory analyses showed strong significant relationships in the expected directions between flow, POF, mindfulness, and mind wandering. Study 2 replicated the findings in study 1.

KEYWORDS:

• Flow
• preconditions
• feedback
• mindfulness
• mind wandering

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.