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This study explores whether the motivation to leisure is related to flow. Contrary to popular belief, it was hypothesised that motivation to leisure positively influences 'flow'. The study involved 233 college students (M = 157, F = 76). The tests used were the intrinsic leisure motivation scale and the flow state scale. A clear positive relationship was established between motivation to leisure and flow (r = 0.521, p< 0.01). Motivation to leisure explained 27.18% of the variance in flow. Self-determination was found to be the single most influencing factor on the following flow factors: challenge-skill balance, clear goals, unambiguous feedback, concentration on the task at hand and sense of control (Csikszentmihalyi, 1990). Various supporting studies and theoretical explanations of findings are discussed.
Keywords: motivation to leisure, flow, pleasure
Generally, work and leisure are seen as exclusively different and opposite to each other. The daily life of adults is divided into a stereotypical 8-5 mindset which is for work and family time as leisure (Csikszentmihalyi, 1990). However, in modern times these rigid discriminations of work and leisure are disappearing across time (flexible hours in work practice) and place (remote & online work). At the individual experiential level, people may find that leisure is not only relaxation and time pass; instead, it contributes to the betterment of skills useful for work. Modern organisations seem to take cognizance of this and make effective use of leisure for innovation by employees. The present paper is significant in this light that explores if the motivation to leisure contributes to the experiences of flow. It further explores how the various factors of motivation to leisure are related to the various factors of flow.
Leisure is defined as the spare time left after productive or highyielding work activity (explained as non-work time). It has also been seen as the group of activities that society recognises as leisure interests. At the individual experiential level, it has been seen as a satisfying existential condition characterised by the freedom of choice over a period of time that is inherently rewarding (Perkins & Nakamura, 2012).
The inclination to seek intrinsic benefits while engaging in leisure activities is known as intrinsic leisure motivation (Weissinger & Bandalos, 1995). Contingent on the findings of Deci and Ryan (1985a);...