Flow experience fosters university students' well‐being through psychological resilience

A longitudinal design with cross‐lagged analysis

Bibliographic Data

ID9614441
AuthorsYanhui Mao (0000-0001-8160-2510, Institute of Applied Psychology, Psychological Research and Counseling Center Southwest Jiaotong University Chengdu China), Xinyi Luo (0009-0009-3413-6073, Institute of Applied Psychology, Psychological Research and Counseling Center Southwest Jiaotong University Chengdu China), Shujun Wang (0000-0003-4377-2791, Institute of Applied Psychology, Psychological Research and Counseling Center Southwest Jiaotong University Chengdu China), Zhuozhu Mao (Institute of Education University College London London UK), Z Q Mao (0009-0004-8341-5259, University College London), Mei Xie (0000-0001-5605-8867, Department of Social and Developmental Psychology Sapienza University of Rome Rome Italy, corresponding author), Marino Bonaiuto (0000-0002-4543-5329, Department of Social and Developmental Psychology Sapienza University of Rome Rome Italy)
Year2024
Volume94
Issue2
Pages518-538
Publication date2024-06-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueBritish Journal of Educational Psychology (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0007-0998 • E-ISSN: 2044-8279
PublisherWiley (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1111/bjep.12661
PMID38238106
OpenAlexW4391004759
LanguageEN
Citations received10
References cited87

BACKGROUND: Existing research has linked individuals' flow experience - a positive affective and cognitive state of deep immersion and engagement in daily activities - and their well-being, particularly among university students. A growing number of longitudinal studies have further contributed to this understanding. However, limited attention has been given to exploring the dynamic interplay between these two variables and their underlying mechanisms (i.e., the mediator) of psychological resilience, specifically among university students in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. AIMS: To address this research gap, the present study draws on self-determination, flow and broaden-and-build theories. It examines the temporal dynamics and relationships between flow experience and well-being, and the mediating role of psychological resilience among Chinese university students. SAMPLE: The study adopts a three-wave longitudinal design with a sample of 474 university students in Southwest China. METHODS: Participants' flow experience, well-being and psychological resilience were measured across three time waves. RESULTS: The findings of this study reveal that flow experience predicts well-being across the three waves and that psychological resilience mediates this prediction. This empirical evidence emphasizes the significance of both flow experience and psychological resilience in contributing to the well-being of university students over time amid COVID-19. CONCLUSIONS: These findings enrich our understanding of the factors contributing to well-being in educational settings and provide highly relevant and timely insights for developing strategies to foster well-being among university students, especially in the transition into the post-pandemic era; findings also offer valuable insights not only for researchers but also for educators and policymakers

Developmental psychology · Flow (mathematics) · Longitudinal study · Mechanics · Psychological resilience · Psychological well-being · Resilience (materials science) · Flow Experience in Various Fields · Motivation and Self-Concept in Sports · Psychology · Resilience and Mental Health · Social Psychology

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