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Flow in the time of COVID-19: Findings from China

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Listed:
  • Kate Sweeny
  • Kyla Rankin
  • Xiaorong Cheng
  • Lulu Hou
  • Fangfang Long
  • Yao Meng
  • Lilian Azer
  • Renlai Zhou
  • Weiwei Zhang

Abstract

In February 2020, the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) was raging in Wuhan, China and quickly spreading to the rest of the world. This period was fraught with uncertainty for those in the affected areas. The present investigation examined the role of two potential coping resources during this stressful period of uncertainty: flow and mindfulness. Participants in Wuhan and other major cities affected by COVID-19 (N = 5115) completed an online survey assessing subjective experiences of flow, mindfulness, and well-being. Longer quarantine was associated with poorer well-being; flow and mindfulness were associated with better well-being on some measures. However, flow—but not mindfulness—moderated the link between quarantine length and well-being, such that people who experienced high levels flow showed little or no association between quarantine length and poorer well-being. These findings suggest that experiencing flow (typically by engaging in flow-inducing activities) may be a particularly effective way to protect against potentially deleterious effects of a period of quarantine.

Suggested Citation

  • Kate Sweeny & Kyla Rankin & Xiaorong Cheng & Lulu Hou & Fangfang Long & Yao Meng & Lilian Azer & Renlai Zhou & Weiwei Zhang, 2020. "Flow in the time of COVID-19: Findings from China," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 15(11), pages 1-12, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:plo:pone00:0242043
    DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0242043
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Kristin Layous & S. Katherine Nelson & Sonja Lyubomirsky, 2013. "What Is the Optimal Way to Deliver a Positive Activity Intervention? The Case of Writing About One’s Best Possible Selves," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 14(2), pages 635-654, April.
    2. Thais Rogatko, 2009. "The Influence of Flow on Positive Affect in College Students," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 10(2), pages 133-148, April.
    3. Marta Bassi & Patrizia Steca & Dario Monzani & Andrea Greco & Antonella Delle Fave, 2014. "Personality and Optimal Experience in Adolescence: Implications for Well-Being and Development," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 15(4), pages 829-843, August.
    4. Kiyoshi Asakawa, 2004. "Flow Experience and Autotelic Personality in Japanese College Students: How do they Experience Challenges in Daily Life?," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 5(2), pages 123-154, June.
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