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Capturing Flow Experiences in Everyday Life: A Comparison of Recall and Momentary Measurement

Author

Listed:
  • Karen Bartholomeyczik

    (Karlsruhe Institute of Technology
    New York University)

  • Michael T. Knierim

    (Karlsruhe Institute of Technology)

  • Christof Weinhardt

    (Karlsruhe Institute of Technology)

  • Gabriele Oettingen

    (New York University
    Zeppelin University)

  • Ulrich Ebner-Priemer

    (Karlsruhe Institute of Technology
    Central Institute of Mental Health, Heidelberg University)

Abstract

In a real-life study using time-based ambulatory assessment, we investigated how to unobtrusively capture within-subject and between-subject variations in flow in everyday life. We compared two observation approaches, momentary states, and coverage, which differed in the reference of flow reports and sampling frequency. Depending on condition, participants (N = 38) answered either ten or five queries per day that referred to the current state or the last two hours (n = 1442 observations in total). We found no effect of either approach on compliance, flow intensity, or flow reports over time. However, the approaches differed with respect to flow probability reports, within-subject variability in flow reports, and perceived burden. In addition, we introduced a reduced three-item version of the Flow Short Scale. Our results indicate acceptable to good reliability as well as concurrent, convergent and discriminant validity of this scale. Based on our findings, we recommend that the choice of observation approach for capturing everyday flow depends on the outcome of interest, the targeted comparison within- or between-subjects, and the expected task variability of the participants. Limitations regarding our sampling procedure and the retrospective assessment of flow experiences are discussed.

Suggested Citation

  • Karen Bartholomeyczik & Michael T. Knierim & Christof Weinhardt & Gabriele Oettingen & Ulrich Ebner-Priemer, 2024. "Capturing Flow Experiences in Everyday Life: A Comparison of Recall and Momentary Measurement," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 25(6), pages 1-26, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:jhappi:v:25:y:2024:i:6:d:10.1007_s10902-024-00776-1
    DOI: 10.1007/s10902-024-00776-1
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Ed Diener & Louis Tay, 2014. "Review of the Day Reconstruction Method (DRM)," Social Indicators Research: An International and Interdisciplinary Journal for Quality-of-Life Measurement, Springer, vol. 116(1), pages 255-267, March.
    2. Stefan Engeser & Nicola Baumann, 2016. "Fluctuation of Flow and Affect in Everyday Life: A Second Look at the Paradox of Work," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 17(1), pages 105-124, February.
    3. Rob Eisinga & Manfred Grotenhuis & Ben Pelzer, 2013. "The reliability of a two-item scale: Pearson, Cronbach, or Spearman-Brown?," International Journal of Public Health, Springer;Swiss School of Public Health (SSPH+), vol. 58(4), pages 637-642, August.
    4. Amy Collins & Natalia Sarkisian & Ellen Winner, 2009. "Flow and Happiness in Later Life: An Investigation into the Role of Daily and Weekly Flow Experiences," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 10(6), pages 703-719, December.
    5. Céline Bricteux & Jose Navarro & Lucía Ceja & Guillaume Fuerst, 2017. "Interest as a Moderator in the Relationship Between Challenge/Skills Balance and Flow at Work: An Analysis at Within-Individual Level," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 18(3), pages 861-880, June.
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