Flow in Mexican University Athletes: Their Relationship with Intrinsic and Extrinsic Aspects in Sport Practice

Abstract

Objective. The aim of this study was to identify the processes that predict the optimal state of Flow in university athletes. Method. A sample of 75 athletes that participated in the State and National Universiada with ages between 18 and 25 years (M = 21.26, SD = 1.89) was selected in this research. The scale of Competitive State Anxiety, Sport Motivation, Affects and Flow State was administered. Results. Athletes that had higher levels of positive emotions accompanied with optimal state of Flow showed lower levels of somatic and cognitive anxiety. Thus, the variables that predicted an optimal state of Flow to a greater extent had a positive effect along support, hours of training and intrinsic motivation.