Shinng Light on the Dark Side of Flow: Is Mindfulness in High-Flow-State Athletes Predictive of Improved Emotion-Regulation and Self-Control?
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Authors
Hogarth, Brent T.
Issue Date
2018
Type
Dissertation
Language
en
Keywords
"Flow","Mindfulness","Self-Control","Self-Regulation”,“Emotion Regulation","Sport Psychology"
Alternative Title
Abstract
'Flow' is often promoted in the literature and during athletic training as an altered state of consciousness linked to optimal performance. But flow may also elicit a loss of self-control, dependence, and risky behaviors with negative consequences. Big Wave Surfing, for example, involves high rates of exercise addiction, injury, and death. Factors that may lessen flow's negative consequences need investigation. Does variability in 'mindfulness' predict variability in poor self-control, emotion dis-regulation, and exercise dependence? Sixty high-risk action-adventure athletes were recruited through The Flow Genome Project (a Facebook group), scoring at least 3.3 on the Short Dispositional Flow Scale (S DFS-2). They completed an anonymous online survey, including the Five Facet Mindfulness Scale (FFMQ- 15), Brief Self-Control Scale (BSCS), Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS - 18), and Exercise Dependence Scale (EDS-R). Higher scores of mindfulness correlated positively with self-control and negatively with difficulties in emotional regulation. Further research will determine if mindfulness-based interventions increase flow while reducing its potential negative consequences. Exploring the influence of mindfulness on the dark side of flow may help athletes develop greater self-mastery in order to reach their goals safely.