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The flow experience: a Rasch analysis of Jackson's Flow State Scale
G Tenenbaum1, G J Fogarty, S A Jackson
1Department of Psychology, University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba. tenenbau@usq.edu.au
Journal of Outcome Measurement
|August 4, 1999
Summary
The Flow State Scale (FSS) effectively measures flow dimensions in athletes. Rasch analysis confirms its construct validity and generalizability, showing flow dimensions exist on a continuum.
Area of Science:
- Sport Psychology
- Psychometrics
Background:
- The Flow State Scale (FSS) was developed by Jackson and Marsh (1996) to measure Csikszentmihalyi's nine dimensions of flow in sport and physical activity.
- Initial validation using confirmatory factor analysis supported the FSS's structure with high internal consistency.
Purpose of the Study:
- To extend the validation of the Flow State Scale (FSS) using Rasch analysis.
- To investigate the construct validity and generalizability of the FSS in athletic populations.
Main Methods:
- Rasch analysis was applied to data from two samples: elite younger athletes (N = 394) and older athletes (N = 398).
- The study examined the FSS items and subscales within the framework of Rasch measurement models.
Main Results:
- Rasch analyses indicated that flow dimensions can be conceptualized as a continuum.
- "Autotelic experience" was found to be more readily experienced than "transformation of time," which appears at deeper flow states.
- The analyses provided detailed information on the flow continuum tapped by FSS items and scales.
Conclusions:
- The Rasch analyses provide further evidence for the construct validity of the Flow State Scale (FSS).
- The findings support the generalizability of the FSS across different athletic samples.
- The study enhances understanding of the flow construct and its measurement in sport psychology.