The Effect of Mindfulness Training on Athletes’ Flow: An Initial Investigation
Cian Aherne, Aidan Moran, Chris Lonsdale
The Sport Psychologist June 1, 2011 DOI: 10.1123/tsp.25.2.177 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Randomized controlled trial Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 13 |
| Population | University athletes |
| Intervention | Mindfulness training |
| Measures | Flow State Scale-2 (FSS-2) |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Citations | 262 |
| Key findings | Mindfulness training significantly increased overall flow scores on the Flow State Scale-2 compared to a control group at follow-up (d = 1.66), with significant effects also for the Clear Goals and Sense of Control subscales. |
Abstract
This study investigated the relationship between mindfulness training (a nonjudgmental attentional training technique) and flow experiences in athletes. Participants were 13 university athletes (M = 21 years), assigned either to a control group or an experimental group. Flow experiences were assessed before and after the intervention. ANOVA (group x time) of global scores on the Flow State Scale-2 (FSS-2; Jackson & Eklund, 2004) showed a significant interaction (F = 11.49, p < .05). Follow-up t tests indicated no significant difference (p > .05) between the experimental and control groups’ FSS-2 global scores at the baseline training session, but a large difference (p < .05, d = 1.66) at a follow-up training session. Significant interaction effects were also observed for FSS-2 subscales scores for the flow dimensions of “Clear Goals” (F =18.73, p < .05) and “Sense of Control” (F = 14.61, p < .05). Following an evaluation of the strengths and weaknesses of this study, the theoretical significance of the results is assessed and the promise for the application of mindfulness training in performance enhancement is discussed.
Comparable studies
Other randomized controlled trials on meditation, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alterations in Brain and Immune Function Produced by Mindfulness Meditation Healthy employees in a work environment | 2003 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 41 |
| Prevention of relapse/recurrence in major depression by mindfulness-based cognitive therapy. Recovered recurrently depressed patients | 2000 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 145 |
| Open hearts build lives: Positive emotions, induced through loving-kindness meditation, build consequential personal resources. Working adults | 2008 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 139 |
| Short-term meditation training improves attention and self-regulation Undergraduate Chinese students | 2007 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 40 |
| Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Depression: Replication and Exploration of Differential Relapse Prevention Effects. Recovered recurrently depressed patients | 2004 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 73 |
Citations in the library
Cited by 32
- Effectiveness of a Mindfulness-Based Intervention for Athletes Psychology December 30, 2016
- Theta Neurofeedback Training Supports Motor Performance and Flow Experience. Journal of Cognitive Enhancement 2022
- Self-transcendent experiences as promoters of ecological wellbeing? Exploration of the evidence and hypotheses to be tested Frontiers in Psychology November 14, 2022
- Mindfulness in the OR: A Pilot Study Investigating the Efficacy of an Abbreviated Mindfulness Intervention on Improving Performance in the Operating Room. Journal of surgical education 2021
- A rowing-specific mindfulness intervention: Effects on mindfulness, flow, reinvestment, and performance Frontiers in Psychology September 7, 2022
and 27 more in the library
Cites 8
- The benefits of being present: Mindfulness and its role in psychological well-being. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology 2003
- Using Self-Report Assessment Methods to Explore Facets of Mindfulness Assessment January 27, 2006
- Mindfulness: A proposed operational definition. Clinical Psychology Science and Practice 2004
- Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for depression August 21, 2006
- Mindfulness meditation improves cognition: evidence of brief mental training. Consciousness and Cognition April 3, 2010
and 3 more in the library