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Optimal Experience and Optimal Identity: A Multinational Study of the Associations Between Flow and Social Identity
Yanhui Mao1, Scott Roberts2, Stefano Pagliaro3
1Department of Psychology of Developmental and Socialization Process, Sapienza University of Rome Rome, Italy.
Frontiers in Psychology
|March 1, 2016
Summary
Engaging in self-defining activities that induce flow positively impacts social identity. This finding holds across diverse cultural groups, suggesting a universal link between enjoyable, immersive experiences and a stronger sense of belonging.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Social Psychology
- Identity Theory
Background:
- Eudaimonistic identity theory links activity engagement with identity strength.
- Self-defining activities, when performed with enjoyment and full involvement, can lead to the psychological state of flow.
- The theory of psychological selection suggests flow may enhance both personal development and social identity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between flow and social identity.
- To test if participation in self-defining activities mediates the positive association between flow and social identity.
- To examine these relationships across diverse cultural samples.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study utilizing self-report measures.
- Participants from American, Chinese, and Spanish samples completed questionnaires on flow and social identity.
- Data collected on four types of self-reported activities varying in skill and challenge levels.
Main Results:
- Flow was consistently and positively associated with social identity across all three cultural samples.
- This positive association was observed irrespective of participants' gender and age.
- The findings support the hypothesis that flow contributes to social identity.
Conclusions:
- Participation in self-defining activities that facilitate flow can enhance social identity.
- The positive link between flow and social identity appears to be a cross-cultural phenomenon.
- Interventions aimed at strengthening social identity could leverage group activities that promote flow states.
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