Sarah Partington
The dark side of flow: a qualitative study of dependence in big wave surfing.
Partington, Sarah; Partington, Elizabeth; Olivier, Steve
Authors
Elizabeth Partington
Steve Olivier
Abstract
Flow has been described within sport psychology as an optimal state underpinning peak performance. However, the consequences of experiencing flow may not always be beneficial. One negative consequence might be that of contributing to dependence on the activity that interacts with, or is associated with, the flow experience. This study explored the dichotomous consequences of flow, using case studies of big wave surfers. Fifteen elite surfers completed in-depth, semi-structured interviews. It seems clear from the results that the surfers experienced positive consequences of flow. However, they also exhibited symptoms of dependence on surfing. It is suggested that there may be an association between the experience of dimensions of flow and the compulsion to engage in an activity. Some specific recommendations for further research into the relationship between flow and exercise dependence are made.
Citation
PARTINGTON, S., PARTINGTON, E. and OLIVIER, S. 2009. The dark side of flow: a qualitative study of dependence in big wave surfing. Sport psychologist [online], 23(2), pages 170-185. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1123/tsp.23.2.170
Journal Article Type | Article |
---|---|
Acceptance Date | Jun 30, 2009 |
Online Publication Date | Jun 30, 2009 |
Publication Date | Jun 30, 2009 |
Deposit Date | Jan 21, 2022 |
Publicly Available Date | Jan 21, 2022 |
Journal | Sport psychologist |
Print ISSN | 0888-4781 |
Electronic ISSN | 1543-2793 |
Publisher | Human Kinetics |
Peer Reviewed | Peer Reviewed |
Volume | 23 |
Issue | 2 |
Pages | 170-185 |
DOI | https://doi.org/10.1123/tsp.23.2.170 |
Keywords | Sports psychology; Compulsive behaviours; Addiction; Surfing |
Public URL | https://rgu-repository.worktribe.com/output/981910 |
Files
PARTINGTON 2009 The dark side of flow (AAM)
(275 Kb)
PDF
Copyright Statement
© Human Kinetics
You might also like
University and leisure: a commentary and my broad thoughts.
(2023)
Journal Article
Failure to report poor care as a breach of moral and professional expectation.
(2019)
Journal Article
Contracting the right to roam.
(2017)
Other
The employability agenda and beyond: what are universities for?
(2014)
Preprint / Working Paper
You don't understand us! An inside perspective on adventure climbing.
(2013)
Journal Article
Downloadable Citations
About OpenAIR@RGU
Administrator e-mail: publications@rgu.ac.uk
This application uses the following open-source libraries:
SheetJS Community Edition
Apache License Version 2.0 (http://www.apache.org/licenses/)
PDF.js
Apache License Version 2.0 (http://www.apache.org/licenses/)
Font Awesome
SIL OFL 1.1 (http://scripts.sil.org/OFL)
MIT License (http://opensource.org/licenses/mit-license.html)
CC BY 3.0 ( http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/)
Powered by Worktribe © 2024
Advanced Search