Love for Frequent and Low Flow Activities in the United States and India

Abstract

This study explored how much participants in the United States (US) and India loved activities that are inherently flow producing (Frequent Flow Activities) versus those that are not (Low Flow Activities). Frequent Flow Activities (FFA) typically possess the three antecedents of flow, namely clear and proximate goals, immediate feedback and a perceived balance of challenge and skill. By contrast, Low Flow Activities (LFA) are typically relaxing or enjoyable but not underpinned by these antecedents. In addition, this study explored whether love for FFA/LFA differed by age, gender and nationality, and whether love for FFA/LFA was positively related to various measures of wellbeing. Results indicate that neither age nor gender affected love for FFA/LFA. However, nationality did make a difference, in that Indian but not US participants loved FFA more than LFA. Finally, both FFA/LFA were significantly and positively related to a number of wellbeing measures. Implications and applications are discussed.