The flow metacognitions questionnaire (FMQ): A two factor model of flow metacognitions

a r t i c l e i n f o Keywords: Flow Flow frequency Flow intensity Flow metacognition Adaptive metacognition Maladaptive metacognition Scale development Scale validation This paper presents the development and validation of the Flow Metacognitions Questionnaire (FMQ) for measuring metacognitions of flow. Flow is a state of deep cognitive absorption that makes a person feel fully immersed in an activity. Flow metacognitions had been defined as people's awareness of and beliefs on the flow state, its consequences, and strategies for achieving and maintaining flow (Wilson & Moneta, 2012). Exploratory factor analysis of the pilot FMQ yielded a two-component solution, based on a sample of 204 UK university students. The two FMQ sub-scales were labelled 'Beliefs that Flow Fosters Achievement' (FMQ-1) and 'Confidence in Ability to Self-Regulate Flow' (FMQ-2). Confirmatory factor analysis on a convenience sample of 159 international workers confirmed the two sub-scales of the final 12-item FMQ. The FMQ's predictive validity was supported in a series of hierarchical regression analyses. Confidence in Ability to Self-Regulate Flow predicted the intensity of flow in work better than measures of maladaptive and adaptive metacognitions. It also predicted the frequency and percentage of time spent in flow in work above and beyond established measures of flow, highlighting the usefulness of the FMQ as a research tool. Flow is an optimal state of deep cognitive absorption and intrinsic enjoyment. Flow research originated in the 1970s (Csikszentmihalyi, 1975) and subsequently played an integral part within the eudaimonic approach to optimal functioning in the field of positive psychology (Seligman & Csikszentmihalyi, 2000). Flow can be validly measured as a state, a disposition, and a domain specific disposition (e.g., Jackson & Eklund, 2002). Measures of dispositional flow in study or work contexts were found to correlate positively with measures of other dispositional However, these correlations were only moderate, indicating that flow stands as an independent construct in a well-established nomological network. Experiencing flow intensely and frequently was found to have important implications for fostering subjective well-being While most standardized flow questionnaires measure flow in its components and assess what might be considered the intensity of the flow experience, little is known about people's beliefs on flow as a state of optimal functioning. Moneta (in press) and Wilson and Moneta (2012) have highlighted the potential for measuring people's metacognitive knowledge of and beliefs about flow as a state of consciousness, i.e., 'flow metacognitions'. This paper …