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.