psychology

L03 Personality Traits and Flow In addition to the situational contexts that make a flow state more likely, the balance

between skill and challenge, there are personal traits that make flow more or less likely.

Some research suggests that there is a flow personality, or a type of person who

continually chases after flow experiences. Such autotelic individuals are intrinsically

motivated in their actions, seek satisfaction in their lives through autonomy, and may be

high in traits such as curiosity, persistence, and other-centeredness, as opposed to self-

centeredness.

Beyond this overarching personality, individual character traits may make an individual

more or less likely to enter into a flow state. For example, individuals who are very self-

critical or prone to anxiety and worry may be less likely to enter a flow state. Conversely,

individuals who are highly organized, efficient, and self-discipline may be more likely to

enter a flow state.

Reflective Question

Take some time to consider the potential overlap between flow and

leisure, recreation, and play.

How might leisure and flow overlap?

What types of leisure experiences may be more or less likely to

result in achieving a flow state?

L03 Personality Traits and Flow: RPTM 120, Sec... https://psu.instructure.com/courses/2069156/p...

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