Assessing flow in physical activity: the Flow State Scale-2 and Dispositional Flow Scale-2
Abstract
The Flow State Scale-2 (FSS-2) and Dispositional Flow Scale-2 (DFS-2) are presented as two self-report instruments designed to assess flow experiences in physical activity. Item modifications were made to the original versions of these scales in order to improve the measurement of some of the flow dimensions. Confirmatory factor analyses of an item identification and a cross-validation sample demonstrated a good fit of the new scales. There was support for both a 9-first-order factor model and a higher order model with a global flow factor. The item identification sample yielded mean item loadings on the first-order factor of .78 for the FSS-2 and .77 for the DFS-2. Reliability estimates ranged from .80 to .90 for the FSS-2, and .81 to .90 for the DFS-2. In the cross-validation sample, mean item loadings on the first-order factor were .80 for the FSS-2, and .73 for the DFS-2. Reliability estimates ranged between .80 to .92 for the FSS-2 and .78 to .86 for the DFS-2. The scales are presented as ways of assessing flow experienced within a particular event (FSS-2) or the frequency of flow experiences in chosen physical activity in general (DFS-2).
Integrity signals
Registry
Cites
Statistics
Claims the paper makes
Claims other papers make about this one
Each is checked against this paper’s own text: does it say what the citing paper says it does?
Flow was measured using the Dispositional Flow Scale-2.
“The third employs the Dispositional Flow Scale-2 (Jackson and Eklund, 2002; Jackson et al., 2010) for flow state data, with items such as “Challenge-skill balance: I am challenged, but I believe my skills will allow me to meet the challenge.””
From Mindfulness and self-rated performance among novice athletes in China: a sequential mediating role of flow and cognitive anxiety (2025) · cites this paper as Jackson and Eklund, 2002
Cited by
Sorted by citations
Flow, performance and moderators of challenge-skill balance
Engeser, S., & Rheinberg, F. (2008) · Motivation and Emotion · doi:10.1007/s11031-008-9102-4 · Cited by 860 · see citing works
“This problem has been recognized and instruments to measure all components of flow have been developed for the areas of sports (Jackson and Eklund 2002) and computer activity (Remy 2000).”
BackgroundReconsidering happiness: a eudaimonist's perspective
Waterman, A. S. (2008) · The Journal of Positive Psychology · doi:10.1080/17439760802303002 · Cited by 613 · see citing works
“Jackson and Eklund (2002) created the Flow State Scale-2 to assess flow experiences within a particular event and the Dispositional Flow Scale-2 to assess the frequency of flow experiences across a broader array of activities.”
BackgroundLonsdale, C., Hodge, K. P., & Rose, E. A. (2008) · Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology · doi:10.1123/jsep.30.3.323 · Cited by 463 · see citing works
The Model for Introduction of Gamification into E-learning in Higher Education
Urh, M., Vukovič, G., Jereb, E., & Pintar, R. (2015) · Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences · doi:10.1016/j.sbspro.2015.07.154 · Cited by 408 · see citing works
“According to Jackson and Eklund (2002), flow is an important part of challenging activities where a person’s concentration and skills are important for an outcome.”
BackgroundEppmann, R., Bekk, M., & Klein, K. (2018) · Journal of Interactive Marketing · doi:10.1016/j.intmar.2018.03.002 · Cited by 390 · see citing works
“Finally, we included a version of the dispositional flow scale-2 [DFS-2] (Jackson and Eklund 2002), which has been validated in the context of a gamified fitness online platform (Hamari and Koivisto 2014).”
MethodFlow at work: An experience sampling approach
Fullagar, C. J. A., & Kelloway, E. K. (2008) · Journal of Occupational and Organizational Psychology · doi:10.1348/096317908x357903 · Cited by 350 · see citing works
Measuring flow in gamification: Dispositional Flow Scale-2
Hamari, J., & Koivisto, J. (2014) · Computers in Human Behavior · doi:10.1016/j.chb.2014.07.048 · Cited by 357 · see citing works
“The Dispositional Flow Scale-2 (Jackson & Eklund, 2002) is currently one of the most used measurement instruments for flow.”
BackgroundMethodResultInfluentialKaufman, K. A., Glass, C. R., & Arnkoff, D. B. (2009) · Journal of Clinical Sport Psychology · doi:10.1123/jcsp.3.4.334 · Cited by 329 · see citing works
“Analyses of the DFS-2 have indicated that it is a reliable and valid measure of the flow construct (Jackson & Eklund, 2004).”
BackgroundInfluentialGet active? A meta-analysis of leisure-time physical activity and subjective well-being
Wiese, C. W., Kuykendall, L., & Tay, L. (2018) · The Journal of Positive Psychology · doi:10.1080/17439760.2017.1374436 · Cited by 266 · see citing works
“Further, LTPA may help facilitate psychological detachment through engendering states of flow (e.g. runner’s high; Decloe, Kaczynski, & Havitz, 2009; Jackson & Eklund, 2002), a state known to be associated with optimal positive feelings (Nakamura & Csikszentmihalyi, 2002).”
BackgroundKee, Y. H., & John Wang, C. K. (2008) · Psychology of Sport and Exercise · doi:10.1016/j.psychsport.2007.07.001 · Cited by 266 · see citing works
“Another cross validation study done on the instrument that involved 574 respondents revealed reliability estimates of .78–.86, with a mean alpha of .82 observed (Jackson & Eklund, 2002).”
BackgroundMethodThe Effect of Mindfulness Training on Athletes’ Flow: An Initial Investigation
Aherne, C., Moran, A. P., & Lonsdale, C. (2011) · The Sport Psychologist · doi:10.1123/tsp.25.2.177 · Cited by 265 · see citing works
Martin, A. J., & Jackson, S. A. (2008) · Motivation and Emotion · doi:10.1007/s11031-008-9094-0 · Cited by 248 · see citing works
Self-citationMindfulness and acceptance approaches to sporting performance enhancement: a systematic review.
Noetel, M., Ciarrochi, J., Van Zanden, B., & Lonsdale, C. (2019) · International Review of Sport and Exercise Psychology · doi:10.1080/1750984x.2017.1387803 · Cited by 243 · see citing works
“It can reflect a moment-to-moment experience (state flow) or the tendency of an athlete to experience these states (dispositional flow; Jackson & Eklund, 2002).”
BackgroundChelladurai, P. (2007) · Wiley eBooks · doi:10.1002/9781118270011.ch5 · Cited by 281 · see citing works
Flow in Knowledge Work: High Performance Experience in the Design of National Security Technology
Quinn, R. W. (2005) · Administrative Science Quarterly · doi:10.2189/asqu.50.4.610 · Cited by 227 · see citing works
“The most ambitious attempt to describe, measure, and model flow to date may be the work of Jackson and colleagues (Jackson and Marsh, 1996; Jackson and Eklund, 2002), who defined flow as a psychological state in which a person experiences all nine elements of flow.”
BackgroundOn the Measurement and Conceptualization of Flow
Moneta, G. B. (2012) · Springer eBooks · doi:10.1007/978-1-4614-2359-1_2 · Cited by 227 · see citing works
“Jackson and Eklund ( 2002, 2004a ) found that both models have good statistical fi t, but the nine-factor model fi ts better than the single-factor model.”
BackgroundMethodInfluentialThe neurochemistry and social flow of singing: bonding and oxytocin
Keeler, J. R., Roth, E. A., Neuser, B. L., Spitsbergen, J. M., Waters, D. J. M., & Vianney, J.-M. (2015) · Frontiers in Human Neuroscience · doi:10.3389/fnhum.2015.00518 · Cited by 220 · see citing works
Sport motivation scale-6 (SMS-6): A revised six-factor sport motivation scale
Mallett, C. J., 川端, 雅., Newcombe, P. A., Otero-Forero, A., & Jackson, S. A. (2007) · Psychology of sport and exercise · doi:10.1016/j.psychsport.2006.12.005 · Cited by 215 · see citing works
“This process was repeated until a conceptually and empirically optimal 32-item solution was identified for the model (Jackson & Eklund, 2002).”
MethodSelf-citationLin, Y., Mutz, J., Clough, P., & Papageorgiou, K. Α. (2017) · Frontiers in Psychology · doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2017.01345 · Cited by 207 · see citing works
“Research has shown that flow experiences associate with high levels of motivation and performance in diverse performance domains, including sport and the workplace (Jackson and Eklund, 2002; Martin and Jackson, 2008).”
BackgroundThe Influence of Flow on Positive Affect in College Students
Rogatko, T. P. (2007) · Journal of Happiness Studies · doi:10.1007/s10902-007-9069-y · Cited by 200 · see citing works
Athlete Engagement in Elite Sport: An Exploratory Investigation of Antecedents and Consequences
Hodge, K. P., Lonsdale, C., & Jackson, S. A. (2009) · The Sport Psychologist · doi:10.1123/tsp.23.2.186 · Cited by 200 · see citing works
“The DFS-2 allows for scores on each of the nine subscales, as well as an overall global score (Jackson & Eklund, 2002, 2004).”
BackgroundMethodInfluentialSelf-citationThompson, R. W., Kaufman, K. A., De Petrillo, L. A., Glass, C. R., & Arnkoff, D. B. (2011) · Journal of Clinical Sport Psychology · doi:10.1123/jcsp.5.2.99 · Cited by 191 · see citing works
“Thought to be a facilitator of peak performance (Jackson & Csikszentmihalyi, 1999; Jackson & Eklund, 2002), "ow is a state of consciousness in which a person is completely absorbed in his or her actions and experiences a unity of the mind and body (Csikszentmihalyi, 1990).”
Towards a Picture of Tourists' Happiness
Filep, S., & Deery, M. A. (2010) · Tourism Analysis · doi:10.3727/108354210x12864727453061 · Cited by 189 · see citing works
Karageorghis, C. I., Priest, D.-L., Terry, P. C., Chatzisarantis, N. L. D., & Lane, A. M. (2006) · Journal of Sports Sciences · doi:10.1080/02640410500298107 · Cited by 188 · see citing works
“…may be assessed by relating the motivational quotient of music to the affective and psychophysical responses to such music in physical activity settings using measures such as the Brunel University Mood Scale (Terry, Lane, Lane, & Keohane, 1999) or the Flow State Scale-2 (Jackson & Eklund, 2002).”
MethodInfluentialFlow and performance: A study among talented Dutch soccer players
Bakker, A. B., Oerlemans, W. G. M., Demerouti, E., Slot, B. B., & Ali, D. K. (2011) · Psychology of sport and exercise · doi:10.1016/j.psychsport.2011.02.003 · Cited by 188 · see citing works
“…concept that also includes actionawareness merging (focus of awareness is narrowed down to the activity itself), lack of self-consciousness, complete concentration, a strong feeling of control, time distortion, goal clarity, and immediate feedback (see also Jackson & Eklund, 2002).”
BackgroundGucciardi, D. F., Gordon, S., & Dimmock, J. A. (2009) · Journal of Applied Sport Psychology · doi:10.1080/10413200903026066 · Cited by 183 · see citing works
“The DFS-2 has a well-defined factor structure and adequate internal consistency (α = .71 to.92; Jackson & Eklund, 2002; Middleton et al., 2004).”
BackgroundPhysiological correlates of the flow experience during computer game playing
Harmat, L., de Manzano, Ö., Theorell, T., Högman, L., Fischer, H., & Ullén, F. (2015) · International Journal of Psychophysiology · doi:10.1016/j.ijpsycho.2015.05.001 · Cited by 183 · see citing works
“Good psychometric properties of the FSS-2, as well as of the shorter English 9-item version of the test, similar to the one employed here, have been demonstrated in several studies on different samples (Jackson and Eklund, 2002, 2004; Jackson et al., 2008; Kawabata et al., 2008).”
ResultFlow experience in game based learning – a systematic literature review
Perttula, A., Kiili, K. J. M., Lindstedt, A., & Tuomi, P. (2017) · International Journal of Serious Games · doi:10.17083/ijsg.v4i1.151 · Cited by 180 · see citing works
“[3] Procci, K., Singer, A. R., Levy, K. R., Bowers, C., Measuring the flow experience of gamers: An evaluation of the DFS-2, Computers in Human Behavior, 2012. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2012.06.039 [4] Kiili, K., Lainema, T., Freitas, S. D., Arnab, S., Flow framework for analyzing the quality of educational games,…”
MethodResultInfluentialEffects of a mindfulness intervention on sports-anxiety, pessimism, and flow in competitive cyclists
Scott‐Hamilton, J., Schutte, N. S., & Brown, R. F. (2016) · Applied Psychology: Health and Well-Being · doi:10.1111/aphw.12063 · Cited by 174 · see citing works
“The internal consistency of each of the DFS-2 subscales in previous research has been adequate to high, with Cronbach’s alphas ranging from .78 to .86 (Jackson & Eklund, 2002).”
MethodMotivational Effects on Self-Regulated Learning with Different Tasks
Vollmeyer, R., & Rheinberg, F. (2006) · Educational Psychology Review · doi:10.1007/s10648-006-9017-0 · Cited by 174 · see citing works
Development and preliminary validation of the mindfulness inventory for sport.
Thienot, E., Jackson, B., Dimmock, J., Grove, J. R., Bernier, M., & Fournier, J. F. (2014) · Psychology of sport and exercise · doi:10.1016/j.psychsport.2013.10.003 · Cited by 165 · see citing works
Soulliard, Z. A., Kauffman, A. A., Fitterman-Harris, H. F., Perry, J. E., & Ross, M. J. (2019) · Body Image · doi:10.1016/j.bodyim.2018.12.009 · Cited by 174 · see citing works
Passion in Referees: Examining Their Affective and Cognitive Experiences in Sport Situations
Philippe, F. L., Vallerand, R. J., Andrianarisoa, J., & Brunel, P. (2009) · Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology · doi:10.1123/jsep.31.1.77 · Cited by 157 · see citing works
“The French translation (Fournier et al., 2007) of the Flow State Scale (FSS-2: Jackson & Eklund, 2002; Jackson & Marsh, 1996) was used in this study to assess flow as experienced by referees during a game.”
MethodLiving “in the zone”: hyperfocus in adult ADHD
Hupfeld, K. E., Abagis, T. R., & Shah, P. (2019) · ADHD Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorders · doi:10.1007/s12402-018-0272-y · Cited by 157 · see citing works
‘Go with the flow’ for gamification and sustainability marketing
Whittaker, L., Mulcahy, R. F., & Russell‐Bennett, R. (2021) · International Journal of Information Management · doi:10.1016/j.ijinfomgt.2020.102305 · Cited by 152 · see citing works
Investigating the “Flow” Experience: Key Conceptual and Operational Issues
Abuhamdeh, S. (2020) · Frontiers in Psychology · doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2020.00158 · Cited by 145 · see citing works
“They first administered one of the more popular flow scales to participants (the Flow State Scale-2; Jackson and Eklund, 2002) immediately following physical activity of some sort (e.g., physical education class and training session).”
BackgroundMethodEvaluations of an Experiential Gaming Model
Kiili, K. J. M. (2006) · Human Technology · doi:10.17011/ht/urn.2006518 · Cited by 161 · see citing works
“Although Csikszentmihalyi (1991) defined flow as a multidimensional construct consisting of nine dimensions, he relied primarily on the challenge–skill balance to measure flow (Jackson & Eklund, 2002), which is not an adequate measurement method alone.”
BackgroundMethodThe experience of flow and subjective well-being of music students
Fritz, B. S., & Avsec, A. (2007) · DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) · Cited by 145 · see citing works
The experience of the flow state in live music performance
Wrigley, W. J., & Emmerson, S. B. (2011) · Psychology of Music · doi:10.1177/0305735611425903 · Cited by 146 · see citing works
“Jackson and Eklund (2002) have suggested that a more appropriate definition of flow may be one in which specific components of flow are more or less prominent according to the characteristics of the situation or the individual.”
BackgroundMethodResultInfluentialLiew, G. C., Kuan, G., Chin, N. S., & Hashim, H. A. (2019) · German Journal of Exercise and Sport Research · doi:10.1007/s12662-019-00603-3 · Cited by 161 · see citing works
The effects of personalized gamification on students’ flow experience, motivation, and enjoyment
Oliveira, W., Hamari, J., Joaquim, S., Toda, A. M., Palomino, P. T., Vassileva, J., & Isotani, S. (2022) · Smart Learning Environments · doi:10.1186/s40561-022-00194-x · Cited by 143 · see citing works
“To mitigate this limitation, whenever possible, we used a previews validated instrument (e.g., DFS-2).”
BackgroundMethodInfluentialMeasuring the flow experience of gamers: An evaluation of the DFS-2
Procci, K., Singer, A. R., Levy, K. R., & Bowers, C. A. (2012) · Computers in Human Behavior · doi:10.1016/j.chb.2012.06.039 · Cited by 138 · see citing works
“They found that the results generally supported the nine-component model described by Jackson & Eklund [4].”
MethodResultInfluentialRobinson, J., Dixon, J., MacSween, A., van Schaik, P., & Martin, D. (2015) · BMC Sports Science Medicine and Rehabilitation · doi:10.1186/s13102-015-0001-1 · Cited by 137 · see citing works
“The concept of flow experience is linked to high levels of performance [36] and enjoyment [37].”
BackgroundSelf-Objectification Among Physically Active Women
Greenleaf, C. A. (2005) · Sex Roles · doi:10.1007/s11199-005-1193-8 · Cited by 136 · see citing works
Development and preliminary validation of a mental toughness inventory for Australian football
Gucciardi, D. F., Gordon, S., & Dimmock, J. A. (2008) · Psychology of sport and exercise · doi:10.1016/j.psychsport.2008.07.011 · Cited by 146 · see citing works
Visual behavior, flow and achievement in game-based learning
Tsai, M., Li-ju, H., Hou, H., Hsu, C.-Y., & Chiou, G. (2016) · Computers & Education · doi:10.1016/j.compedu.2016.03.011 · Cited by 142 · see citing works
A Scoping Review of Flow Research
Peifer, C., Wolters, G., Harmat, L., Heutte, J., Tan, J. S., Freire, T., Tavares, D., Fonte, C., Andersen, F. Ø., van den Hout, J. J. J., et al. (2022) · Frontiers in Psychology · doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2022.815665 · Cited by 137 · see citing works
“Several self-report questionnaires have been developed to measure the variation between individuals in flow proneness e.g., Jackson and Eklund’s Dispositional Flow Scale-2 (Jackson and Eklund, 2002; Jackson et al., 2008; e.g., applied by Sinnamon et al., 2012, Johnson et al., 2014); and the Swedish Flow Proneness Ques…”
BackgroundChirico, A., Serino, S., Cipresso, P., Gaggioli, A., & Riva, G. (2015) · Frontiers in Psychology · doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2015.00906 · Cited by 130 · see citing works
“Frontiers in Psychology | www.frontiersin.org June 2015 | Volume 6 | Article 9063 In order to distinguish studies that analyzed flow as a trait, as a state or as both of them, without ambiguity, we referred to literature concerning flow assessment (Jackson and Marsh, 1996; Jackson and Eklund, 2002; Jackson et al., 200…”
BackgroundMethodResultInfluentialActivity Engagement as Escape from Self: The Role of Self-Suppression and Self-Expansion
Stenseng, F., Rise, J., & Kraft, P. (2012) · Leisure Sciences · doi:10.1080/01490400.2012.633849 · Cited by 135 · see citing works
“Studies using a self-report scale for measuring flow (Jackson & Marsh, 1996; Jackson & Eklund, 2002) have shown that flow is correlated with self-determined motivation (Kowal & Fortier, 1999) and a harmonious passion toward the activity (Vallerand et al., 2003), and that flow facilitates positive…”
A systematic review and meta-analysis of the relationship between flow states and performance
Harris, D., Allen, K., Vine, S. J., & Wilson, M. (2021) · International Review of Sport and Exercise Psychology · doi:10.1080/1750984x.2021.1929402 · Cited by 129 · see citing works
Psychological Effects of Music Tempi during Exercise
Karageorghis, C. I., Jones, L., & Stuart, D. (2008) · International Journal of Sports Medicine · doi:10.1055/s-2007-989266 · Cited by 122 · see citing works
“Flow state was assessed by means of the FSS-2 [17], which is a 36-item inventory comprised of nine subscales.”
The Experiential Incompatibility of Mindfulness and Flow Absorption
Sheldon, K. M., Prentice, M. S., & Halusic, M. (2014) · Social Psychological and Personality Science · doi:10.1177/1948550614555028 · Cited by 119 · see citing works
“Kaufman, Glass, and Arnkoff (2009) also showed that a mindfulness intervention could enhance flow in sport (Jackson & Eklund, 2002).”
BackgroundMethodFlow Experience and Athletes’ Performance with Reference to the Orthogonal Model of Flow
Stavrou, N. A. M., Jackson, S. A., Zervas, Y., & Karteroliotis, K. E. (2007) · The Sport Psychologist · doi:10.1123/tsp.21.4.438 · Cited by 115 · see citing works
Self-citationCohen, S., & Bodner, E. (2018) · Psychology of Music · doi:10.1177/0305735618754689 · Cited by 114 · see citing works
Sierra-Díaz, M. J., González‐Víllora, S., Vicedo, J. C. P., & Sánchez, G. F. L. (2019) · Frontiers in Psychology · doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2019.02115 · Cited by 134 · see citing works
Wherever you go, there you become: How mindfulness arises in everyday situations
Reina, C. S., & Kudesia, R. S. (2020) · Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes · doi:10.1016/j.obhdp.2019.11.008 · Cited by 113 · see citing works
川端, 雅., & Mallett, C. J. (2011) · Motivation and Emotion · doi:10.1007/s11031-011-9221-1 · Cited by 107 · see citing works
Psychometric Properties of the Spanish Version of the Flow State Scale
García‐Calvo, T., Castuera, R. J., Ruano, F. J. S.-R., Vaíllo, R. R., & Gimeno, E. M. C. (2008) · The Spanish Journal of Psychology · doi:10.1017/s1138741600004662 · Cited by 102 · see citing works
“Due to these minor problems, Jackson and Eklund (2002) modified some items from the original scale, creating the Flow State Scale-2 (FSS-2).”
BackgroundMethodResultInfluentialWellbeing and flow in sports and music students during the COVID-19 pandemic
Habe, K., Biasutti, M., & Kajtna, T. (2021) · Thinking Skills and Creativity · doi:10.1016/j.tsc.2021.100798 · Cited by 107 · see citing works
(2021) · Springer eBooks · doi:10.1007/978-3-030-53468-4 · Cited by 103 · see citing works
Martin, A. J. (2007) · Journal of Personality · doi:10.1111/j.1467-6494.2007.00482.x · Cited by 102 · see citing works
Personality and Optimal Experience in Adolescence: Implications for Well-Being and Development
Bassi, M., Steca, P., Monzani, D., Greco, A., & Fave, A. D. (2013) · Journal of Happiness Studies · doi:10.1007/s10902-013-9451-x · Cited by 101 · see citing works
A review and extension of the flow experience concept. Insights and directions for Tourism research
Matos, N., de Sá, E. S., & Duarte, P. (2021) · Tourism Management Perspectives · doi:10.1016/j.tmp.2021.100802 · Cited by 103 · see citing works
The importance of novelty satisfaction for multiple positive outcomes in physical education
González‐Cutre, D., & Sicilia, Á. (2018) · European Physical Education Review · doi:10.1177/1356336x18783980 · Cited by 105 · see citing works
“To measure dispositional flow in physical education classes, we used the Spanish version (González-Cutre et al., 2009) of the Dispositional Flow Scale-2 (DFS-2; see Jackson and Eklund, 2002).”
MethodCultural Heritage in Fully Immersive Virtual Reality
Cecotti, H. (2022) · Virtual Worlds · doi:10.3390/virtualworlds1010006 · Cited by 98 · see citing works
“The nine FSS scales of the 36-item instrument represent the dimensions of flow, and each scale is measured by four items [63,64].”
MethodSinnamon, S., Moran, A. P., & O’Connell, M. (2012) · Journal of Research in Music Education · doi:10.1177/0022429411434931 · Cited by 100 · see citing works
“…subscales of this instrument were high, ranging from 0.72 to 0.91; these scores were comparable with those found in previous studies in both the sport and performing arts domains (Fournier et al., 2007; Jackson & Eklund, 2002; Kawabata, Mallett, & Jackson, 2007; J. J. Martin & Cutler, 2002).”
BackgroundMethodResultInfluentialIntrinsische Motivation und Flow-Erleben
Rheinberg, F. (2005) · Springer eBooks · doi:10.1007/3-540-29975-0_13 · Cited by 95 · see citing works
Flow-Erleben in einem Computerspiel unter experimentell variierten Bedingungen
Rheinberg, F., & Vollmeyer, R. (2003) · Zeitschrift für Psychologie · doi:10.1026//0044-3409.211.4.161 · Cited by 97 · see citing works
Marty-Dugas, J., & Smilek, D. (2018) · Psychological Research · doi:10.1007/s00426-018-1031-6 · Cited by 93 · see citing works
Exploring Gameplay Experiences on the Oculus Rift
Tan, C. T., Leong, T. W., Shen, S., Dubravs, C., & Chen, S. (2015) · Annual Symposium on Computer-Human Interaction in Play · doi:10.1145/2793107.2793117 · Cited by 94 · see citing works
“Given that a sense of control is one of the key components to achieving flow [17] and immersion [18], we expected these participants to score higher for flow/immersion in the Desktop condition instead of the Rift condition.”
BackgroundMethodIn the zone: Flow state and cognition in older adults.
Payne, B. R., Jackson, J. J., Noh, S. R., & Stine‐Morrow, E. A. L. (2011) · Psychology and Aging · doi:10.1037/a0022359 · Cited by 95 · see citing works
“…elders and non-experts) and across a broad range of self-selected activities, we showed similar model fit indices and factor loadings to previous measurement models of flow for both a 9-factor model (facets of flow) and a 1-factor (global flow) model (Jackson & Eklund, 2002; Jackson et al., 1998).”
BackgroundMethodWork Related Flow, Psychological Capital, and Creativity Among Employees of Software Houses
Zubair, A., & Kamal, A. (2015) · Psychological Studies · doi:10.1007/s12646-015-0330-x · Cited by 94 · see citing works
Flow in e‐learning: What drives it and why it matters
Rodríguez‐Ardura, I., & Meseguer‐Artola, A. (2016) · British Journal of Educational Technology · doi:10.1111/bjet.12480 · Cited by 96 · see citing works
“…understanding that flow results from the integration of its central “predictors”, some authors do not distinguish flow from its antecedents and operationalise it with indirect, derived measures (eg Faiola, Newlon, Pfaff, & Smyslova, 2013; Jackson & Eklund, 2002; Moneta & Csikszentmihalyi, 1996).”
BackgroundFlow and Satisfaction With Life in Elite Musicians and Top Athletes
Habe, K., Biasutti, M., & Kajtna, T. (2019) · Frontiers in Psychology · doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2019.00698 · Cited by 100 · see citing works
Flow in context: Development and validation of the flow experience instrument for social networking
Kaur, P., Dhir, A., Chen, S., & Rajala, R. (2016) · Computers in Human Behavior · doi:10.1016/j.chb.2016.02.039 · Cited by 93 · see citing works
“This was followed by active empirical research aimed at developing a flow instrument for the domain of sports and physical activity (Jackson & Eklund, 2002; Jackson et al., 1998; Jackson & Marsh, 1996; Jackson et al., 2008; Jackson & Roberts, 1992).”
MethodAutotelic personality through a five-factor lens: Individual differences in flow-propensity
Ross, S. R., & Keiser, H. N. (2013) · Personality and Individual Differences · doi:10.1016/j.paid.2013.09.029 · Cited by 92 · see citing works
川端, 雅., Mallett, C. J., & Jackson, S. A. (2007) · Psychology of sport and exercise · doi:10.1016/j.psychsport.2007.05.005 · Cited by 91 · see citing works
Self-citationRheinberg, F., & Engeser, S. (2018) · Springer eBooks · doi:10.1007/978-3-319-65094-4_14 · Cited by 94 · see citing works
Rheinberg, F. (2008) · Cambridge University Press eBooks · doi:10.1017/cbo9780511499821.014 · Cited by 87 · see citing works
Quintás, A., Bustamante, J. C., de la Fuente, F. P., & Otín, C. C. (2020) · Computers & Education · doi:10.1016/j.compedu.2020.103874 · Cited by 97 · see citing works
Exploring students' flow experiences in business simulation games
Buil, I., Catalán, S., & Martı́nez, E. (2018) · Journal of Computer Assisted Learning · doi:10.1111/jcal.12237 · Cited by 94 · see citing works
González‐Cutre, D., Sicilia, Á., Murcia, J. A. M., & Fernández‐Balboa, J. (2009) · Journal of Teaching in Physical Education · doi:10.1123/jtpe.28.4.422 · Cited by 89 · see citing works
“On one hand, although other studies of validation have not presented this problem (e.g., Fournier et al., 2006; Jackson & Eklund, 2002; Kawabata, Mallet, & Jackson, 2008), it must be taken into account that the current study has been undertaken with physical education adolescent students who might…”
BackgroundMethodInfluentialSwann, C., Piggott, D., Schweickle, M. J., & Vella, S. A. (2018) · Journal of Applied Sport Psychology · doi:10.1080/10413200.2018.1443525 · Cited by 85 · see citing works
“Since then, there have been a number of highly cited and influential studies (e.g., Jackson, 1995, 1996), validated questionnaires (e.g., Jackson & Eklund, 2002, 2004), a systematic review (Swann, Keegan, Piggott & Crust, 2012), book chapters (e.g., Jackson & Kimiecik, 2008), and books…”
Fournier, J., Gaudreau, P., Demontrond-Behr, P., Visioli, J., Forest, J., & Jackson, S. (2006) · Psychology of sport and exercise · doi:10.1016/j.psychsport.2006.07.007 · Cited by 84 · see citing works
“These nine dimensions represent, as a whole, the flow experience (Jackson & Eklund, 2002).”
BackgroundMethodResultInfluentialSelf-citationSocial Participation, Flow and Situational Involvement in Recreational Physical Activity
Decloe, M. D., Kaczynski, A. T., & Havitz, M. E. (2009) · Journal of Leisure Research · doi:10.1080/00222216.2009.11950160 · Cited by 86 · see citing works
“This optimal psychological state is described by Jackson and Eklund (2002) as “those moments when everything comes together for the performer” (p. 133).”
BackgroundMethodFlow Theory to Promote Learning in Educational Systems: Is it Really Relevant?
dos Santos, W. O., Bittencourt, I. I., Isotani, S., Dermeval, D., Marques, L. B., & Silveira, I. F. (2018) · Revista Brasileira de Informática na Educação · doi:10.5753/rbie.2018.26.02.29 · Cited by 87 · see citing works
Group flow: A scoping review of definitions, theoretical approaches, measures and findings
Pels, F., Kleinert, J., & Mennigen, F. (2018) · PLoS ONE · doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0210117 · Cited by 82 · see citing works
“Twelve studies were excluded from the analysis of empirical findings because of inappropriate group flow measures: For instance, Keeler and colleagues [27] PLOS ONE | https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0210117 December 31, 2018 4 / 28 describe group flow as involving optimal interaction with others, but their measur…”
BackgroundMethodInfluentialMindfulness and Flow in Elite Athletes
Cathcart, S., McGregor, M., & Groundwater, E. (2014) · Journal of Clinical Sport Psychology · doi:10.1123/jcsp.2014-0018 · Cited by 79 · see citing works
Art therapy and flow: a review of the literature and applications
Chilton, G. (2013) · Art Therapy · doi:10.1080/07421656.2013.787211 · Cited by 80 · see citing works
“For example, Voytilla (2006) used a reliable measure (the Flow State Scale–2; Jackson & Eklund, 2002) to collect data on artists working in the Open Studio Project in Evanston, Illinois.”
MethodA review on research and evaluation methods for investigating self-transcendence
Kitson, A., Chirico, A., Gaggioli, A., & Riecke, B. E. (2020) · Frontiers in Psychology · doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2020.547687 · Cited by 76 · see citing works
“Second, the Dispositional Flow Scale-2 (DFS-2) measures the frequency of flow experiences in chosen physical activity in general (Jackson and Eklund, 2002).”
BackgroundMethodInfluentialThe brain in flow: a systematic review on the neural basis of the flow state
Alameda, C., Sanabria, D., & Ciria, L. F. (2022) · Cortex · doi:10.1016/j.cortex.2022.06.005 · Cited by 75 · see citing works
Flow theory – goal orientation theory: positive experience is related to athlete’s goal orientation
Stavrou, N. A. M., Psychountaki, M., Georgiadis, E. M., Karteroliotis, K. E., & Zervas, Y. (2015) · Frontiers in Psychology · doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2015.01499 · Cited by 77 · see citing works
The Flow State Scale for Occupational Tasks: Development, Reliability, and Validity
Yoshida, K., Asakawa, K., Yamauchi, T., Sakuraba, S., Sawamura, D., Murakami, Y., & Sakai, S. (2013) · Hong Kong Journal of Occupational Therapy · doi:10.1016/j.hkjot.2013.09.002 · Cited by 76 · see citing works
“Subsequently, Jackson and Eklund (2002) revised the FSS and developed the FSS-2.”
BackgroundMethodSeeking flow in the achievement domain: The achievement flow motive behind flow experience
Baumann, N., & Scheffer, D. (2010) · Motivation and Emotion · doi:10.1007/s11031-010-9195-4 · Cited by 74 · see citing works
“Traditionally, flow experience has been associated with a loss of conscious self-reflections (Csikszentmihalyi 1990, 2000) which constitutes one of the defining characteristics in the assessment of flow states (Jackson and Eklund 2002; Rheinberg et al. 2003).”
BackgroundOptimal experiences in exercise: A qualitative investigation of flow and clutch states
Swann, C., Jackman, P. C., Schweickle, M. J., & Vella, S. A. (2018) · Psychology of sport and exercise · doi:10.1016/j.psychsport.2018.09.007 · Cited by 78 · see citing works
The influence of flow on learning outcomes: An empirical study on the use of clickers
Buil, I., Catalán, S., & Martínez, E. (2017) · British Journal of Educational Technology · doi:10.1111/bjet.12561 · Cited by 74 · see citing works
Glass, C. R., Spears, C. A., Perskaudas, R., & Kaufman, K. A. (2018) · Journal of Clinical Sport Psychology · doi:10.1123/jcsp.2017-0044 · Cited by 77 · see citing works
Heutte, J., Fenouillet, F., Martin‐Krumm, C., Gute, G. G., Raes, A., Gute, D. S., Bachelet, R., & Csíkszentmihályi, M. (2021) · Frontiers in Psychology · doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2021.828027 · Cited by 81 · see citing works
“The Flow State Scale-2 (FSS-2) (Jackson and Eklund, 2002), measuring the nine conceptual dimensions of flow, is one of the most widely-used scales for studying optimal experience.”
MethodFlow in gaming: literature synthesis and framework development
Nah, F. F., Eschenbrenner, B., Zeng, Q. H., Telaprolu, V. R., & Sepehr, S. (2014) · International Journal of Information Systems and Management · doi:10.1504/ijisam.2014.062288 · Cited by 72 · see citing works
“Procci et al. (2012) and Wang et al. (2009) assessed the psychometric properties of flow in gaming using the dispositional flow scale-2 (DFS-2) developed by Jackson and Eklund (2002).”
BackgroundMethodHut, M., Minkler, T. O., Glass, C. R., Weppner, C. H., Thomas, H. M., & Flannery, C. B. (2021) · Journal of Applied Sport Psychology · doi:10.1080/10413200.2021.1989521 · Cited by 84 · see citing works
“SDFS-2: Short Dispositional Flow Scale-2; CDFS-2: Core Dispositional Flow Scale-2; SAS-2¼ Sport Anxiety Scale-2; DASS-21: Depression, Anxiety, Stress Scales-21; PHLMS: Philadelphia Mindfulness Scale; MIS: Mindfulness Inventory for Sport; DERS-SF: Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale-Short Form; BEAQ: Brief Experie…”
MethodInfluential
- Authors
- Jackson, S. A., & Eklund, R. C.
- Affiliations
- Queensland University of Technology (AU)
- The University of Western Australia (AU)
- Venue
- Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology
- Publisher
- Human Kinetics
- Published
- 2002-06
- Volume
- 24
- Issue
- 2
- Pages
- 133-150
- ISSN
- 0895-2779 (ISSN-L)
- 1543-2904
- OpenAlex
- W2157505989
- Cited by
- 800
- References
- 0
- Citations by year
- 2026: 59 · 2025: 63 · 2024: 37 · 2023: 56 · 2022: 57 · 2021: 54 · 2020: 57 · 2019: 53 · 2018: 53 · 2017: 37 · 2016: 50 · 2015: 36 · 2014: 28 · 2013: 30 · 2012: 29
- FWCI
- 8.57
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology (publishedVersion)
- Topics
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Developmental and Educational Psychology › Flow Experience in Various Fields
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Developmental and Educational Psychology › Sport Psychology and Performance
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Social Psychology › Recreation, Leisure, Wilderness Management
- Keywords
- flow experience, physical activity, self-report measures, scale development, factor structure, reliability statistics, dispositional flow
About these checks
Registry, retraction, Cites and statistics results are computed, not judged, with one exception: a printed reference that no index lists is read once by a model before it counts as a citation error. Claims are extracted by a model and kept only when their quote appears verbatim in the text; each cited source is then checked, with a model’s help, for whether it says what the claim relies on. Those verdicts can be wrong — read the claim’s quote and the cited source before relying on one.
Statistics and arithmetic are recomputed, not judged.
Confidence bands are shown only for fields calibrated on our annotated test set. None is calibrated yet, so no band is shown.
What counts as a claim ›How we measure confidence ›How we check this ›
Are you an author, or do you see a problem with this page? Request a review