Investigation of Perfectionist Thinking, Dispositional Flow State, and Leisure Satisfaction Among Exercise Participants

Gaye ERKMEN HADİ, Kader ÇELİK, Zeyd YAMANER

Abstract


This study aimed to investigate the relationship between perfectionist thinking, flow state, and leisure satisfaction levels among exercise participants. The scores related to these variables were analyzed based on gender and gym membership status. The sample consisted of 238 exercise participants, including 139 women (age=27.08±8.79) and 99 men (age=25.79±6.82), determined using a convenience sampling method. Participants engaged in fitness, pilates, swimming, zumba, fencing, football, and running activities. Data was collected using a personal information form, the Perfectionist Thinking Scale, the Dispositional Flow State Scale, and the Leisure Satisfaction Scale. For data analysis, descriptive statistical analyses were conducted, followed by Pearson’s product-moment correlation to reveal relationships between variables, and independent samples t-tests to examine differences based on gender and gym membership status. The results indicated a significant relationship between perfectionist thinking, flow state, and leisure satisfaction (r=.627, p<.01). A moderate positive relationship was found between perfectionist thinking and flow state  (r=.307, p<.01), and a low positive relationship between perfectionist thinking and leisure satisfaction (r=.297, p<.01). Gender differences were observed in perfectionist thinking (t=-2.006, p<.05) and flow state (t=-2.664, p<.05), while no significant difference was found in leisure satisfaction (t=.013, p>.05). Gym membership status did not result in significant differences in perfectionist thinking scores (t=-.462, p>.05), but significant differences were found in flow state (t=2.258, p<.05) and leisure satisfaction (t=1.999, p<.05). Overall, the findings demonstrate that perfectionist thinking is associated with somewhat more positive exercise-related experiences, mainly through a moderate relationship with flow state and a weaker relationship with leisure satisfaction.

Keywords: Leisure Satisfaction, Flow State, Perfectionist Thinking.


Full Text:

PDF

References


Ahn, B. W., & Song, W. I. (2024). Effect of outdoor sports participants on leisure identity, Leisure flow, leisure satisfaction, and Re-participate intention. Societies, 14, 17. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202312.0385.v1

Altıntaş, A., Aşçı, F. H., & Çağlar, E. (2010). Sürekli optimal performans duygu durumu ve egzersiz davranışı. Hacettepe Journal of Sport Sciences, 21 (2), 71-78. https://dergipark.org.tr/tr/download/article-file/151273

Anshel, M. H., & Seipel, S. J. (2006). Relationships between dimensions of perfectionism and exercise behaviour among college students. International Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology, 4, 25-42. https://doi.org/10.1080/1612197x.2006.9671782

Ardahan, F., & Yerlisu Lapa, T. (2010). Üniversite öğrencilerinin serbest zaman tatmin düzeylerinin cinsiyete ve gelire göre incelenmesi. Hacettepe Journal of Sport Sciences, 21(4), 129-136. https://dergipark.org.tr/tr/pub/sbd/issue/16387/171397

Aşçı, F. H., Çağlar, E., Eklund, R. C., Altıntaş, A., & Jackson, S. (2007). Durumluk ve sürekli optimal performan duygu durum-2 ölçeklerinin uyarlama çalışması, Hacettepe Journal of Sport Sciences, 18 (4), 182-196. https://dergipark.org.tr/tr/download/article-file/151335

Ashby, J. S, Kottman, T. & DeGraaf, D. (1999). Leisure satisfaction and attitudes of perfectionists: implications for therapeutic recreation professionals. Therapeutic Recreation Journal. 33,(2), 142-151.

Aydın, G., & Yerin Güneri, O. (2018). Adaptation of Perfectionism Cognitions Inventory into Turkish. YILDIZ Journal of Educational Research, 3(1), 91-110. https://dergipark.org.tr/en/download/article-file/2088705

Beard, J. G., & Ragheb, M. G. (1980). Measuring leisure satisfaction. Journal of Leisure Research, 12(1), 20-33. https://doi.org/10.1080/00222216.1980.11969416

Berg, E., Trost, M., Schneider, I. E., & Allison, M. T. (2001). Dyadic exploration of the relationship of leisure satisfaction, leisure time, and gender to relationship satisfaction. Leisure Sciences, 23(1), 35-46. https://doi.org/10.1080/01490400150502234

Blatt, S. J. (1995). The destructiveness of perfectionism: Implications for the treatment of depression. American Psychologist, 50, 1003-1020. https://doi.org/10.1037//0003-066x.50.12.1003

Brannan, M., Petrie, T. A., Greenleaf, C., Reel, J., & Carter, J. (2009). The Relationship Between Body Dissatisfaction and Bulimic Symptoms in Female Collegiate Athletes, Journal of Clinical Sport Psychology. 3, 103-126. https://doi.org/10.1123/jcsp.3.2.103

Caglar, E., Bilgili, N., Karaca, A., Ayaz, S., & Aşçi, F. H. (2010). The Psychological Characteristics and Health Related Behavior of Adolescents: The Possible Roles of Social Physique Anxiety and Gender. The Spanish Journal of Psychology. 13(2):741-750. https://doi.org/10.1017/S1138741600002407

Çakır, V. O. (2017). Üniversite öğrencilerin serbest zaman doyum düzeyleri ile serbest zaman yönetimleri arasındaki ilişki. Gaziantep Üniversitesi Spor Bilimleri Dergisi, 2(3), 17-27. https://dergipark.org.tr/tr/download/article-file/339205

Çolak, M.,Bilgin, U. & Küçük Kılıç, S. (2023). The relationship between leisure time participation, automatic thought and life satisfaction in pre-service teachers. Journal of Education and Recreation Patterns (JERP), 4(2), 283-302. DOI: https://doi.org/10.53016/jerp.v4i2.148

Csíkszentmihályi, M. (1990). Flow: The psychology of optimal experience. New York: Harper & Row.

Csikszentmihalyi, M. (2002). Flow: The classic work on how to achieve happiness. London: Rider.

Csikszentmihalyi, M., Abuhamdeh, S., & Nakamura, J. (2005). Flow. In A. J. Elliot & C. S. Dweck (Eds.), Handbook of competence and motivation (pp. 598-608). Guilford Publications.

Deck, S., Roberts, R., Hall, C., & Kouali, D. (2019): Exercise behaviour, enjoyment and boredom: A test of the 2 × 2 model of perfectionism, International Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology, https://doi.org/10.1080/1612197X.2019.1581830

Doğan, M., & Ünal, Y. B. (2024). The relationship between leisure involvement, flow experience, and life satisfaction levels of fitness center members. Journal of Education and Recreation Patterns, 5 (1), 85-99. https://doi.org/10.53016/jerp.v5i1.229

Erkmen Hadi, G., & Denktaş, M. (2023). Rekreasyon Amaçlı Yüzen Bireylerin Optimal Performans Duygu Durumu ve Serbest Zaman Doyum Düzeylerinin İncelenmesi. Düzce Üniversitesi Spor Bilimleri Dergisi, 3(1), 28-36. https://dergipark.org.tr/tr/download/article-file/2849692

Erkmen Hadi, G., Erdem, B., & Duman, E. (2021). Sportif rekreatif aktiviteye katılan bireylerin serbest zaman doyum düzeyleri ve optimal performans duygu durumlarının arasındaki ilis¸kinin incelenmesi. Spor Bilimleri Dergisi, 32(1), 10-19. https://doi.org/10.17644/sbd. 702867

Erkmen, G. (2015). Perfectionism and Dispositional Flow State in Exercise Setting: Mediating Role of Body Related Perceptions. [Doctoral dissertation, Middle East Technical Univesity, Social Sciences Institute]. https://www.proquest.com/openview/0704df84932cd8bc6c646c867731506f/1?pq-origsite=gscholar&cbl=2026366&diss=y

Flett, G. L., & Hewitt, P. L. (2002). Perfectionism and maladjustment: An overview of theoretical, definitional, and treatment issues. In G.L. Flett & P.L. Hewitt (Eds.), Perfectionism: Theory, research and practice (pp. 5-31). Washington, DC: American Psychological Association.

Flett, G. L., Blankstein, K. R., Hewitt, P. L. & Koledin, S. (1992). Components of perfectionism and procrastination in college students. Social Behavior and Personality, 20, 85-94. https://doi.org/10.2224/sbp.1992.20.2.85

Flett, G. L., Hewitt, P. L., Blankstein, K. R., & Gray, L. (1998). Psychological distress and the frequency of perfectionistic thinking. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 75, 1363-1381. https://doi.org/10.1037//0022-3514.75.5.1363

Frost, R. O., & Henderson, K. J. (1991). Perfectionism and reactions to athletic competition. Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology, 13, 323-335. https://doi.org/10.1123/jsep.13.4.323

Frost, R. O., Marten, P., Lahart, C., & Rosenblate, R. (1990). The dimensions of perfectionism. Cognitive Therapy and Research, 14, 449-468. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01172967

Gökçe, H. (2008). Serbest zaman doyumunun yaşam doyumu ve sosyo-demografik değişkenlerle ilişkisinin incelenmesi [Master's thesis, Pamukkale University, Health Sciences Institute]. Pamukkale GCRIS Database, https://gcris.pau.edu.tr/bitstream/11499/1930/1/H%C3%BCseyin%20G%C3%B6k%C3%A7e.pdf

Gökçe, H., & Orhan, K. (2011). Serbest zaman doyum ölçeğinin türkçe geçerlilik güvenirlik çalışması. Hacettepe Journal of Sport Sciences, 22(4), 139-145. https://dergipark.org.tr/tr/download/article-file/151260

Gould, D., Tuffey, S., Udry, E., & Loehr, J. (1996). Burnout in Competitive Junior Tennis Players: I. A Quantitative Psychological Assessment. The Sport Psychologist, 10(4), 322-340. https://doi.org/10.1123/tsp.10.4.322

Gözmen, A. & Aşçı, F. H. (2016). Sporcularda Optimal Performans Duygu Durumunun Yordanmasında Beş Faktörlü Kişilik Özelliklerinin ve Mükemmeliyetçiliğin Rolü. Hacettepe Journal of Sport Sciences, 27 (1), 40-48. https://doi.org/10.17644/sbd.251312

Haase, A. M., Prapavessis, H., & Owens, R. G. (2002). Perfectionism, social physique anxiety and disordered eating: a comparison of male and female elite athletes. Psychology of Sport and Exercise, 3, 209-222. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1469-0292(01)00018-8

Hagberg, L. A., Lindahl, B., Nyberg, L., & Hellenius, M. L. (2009). Importance of enjoyment when promot ing physical exercise. Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports, 19, 740-747. https://doi.org/ 10.1111/j.1600-0838.2008.00844.x

Hall, H. K., Kerr, A. W., & Matthews, J. (1998). Precompetitive anxiety in sport: The contribution of achievement goals and perfectionism. Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology, 20, 194-217. https://doi.org/10.1123/jsep.20.2.194

Han, S. (1992). The relationship between life satisfaction and flow in elderly Korean immigrants. In M. Csikszentmihalyi & I. S. Csikszentmihalyi (Eds.), Optimal experience: Psychological studies of flow in consciousness (pp. 138-149). New York: Cambridge University

Hassan, H., Abd-El-Fattah, S., Abd-El-Maugoud, M., & Badary, A. (2012). Perfectionism and performance expectations at university: Does gender still matter? European Journal of Education and Psychology. 5. https://doi.org/10.1989/ejep.v5i2.97.

Hewitt, P. L., Flett, G. L., & Ediger, E. (1995). Perfectionistic traits and perfectionistic self-presentation in eating disorder attitudes, characteristics, and symptoms. International Journal of Eating Disorders, 18, 317-326. https://doi.org/10.1002/1098-108x(199512)18:4<317::aid-eat2260180404>3.0.co;2-2

Jackson, S. A., & Eklund, R. C. (2004). The Flow Scales Manual. Morgantown, WV: Fitness Information Technology.

Jonge, L. H., & Waller, G. (2003). Perfectionism levels in African American and Caucasian adolescents. Personality and Individual Differences, 34, 1447-1451. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0191-8869(02)00126-5

Jowett, G. E.; Mallinson, S. H.; & Hill, A. P. (2016). An independent effects approach to perfectionism in sport, dance, and exercise. In Hill, A.P (Eds.), The Psychology of Perfectionism in Sport, Dance, and Exercise, Routledge: Oxfordshire, UK.

Kovacs, A. (2007). The leisure personality: Relationships between personality, leisure satisfaction, and life satisfaction. [Doctoral dissertation, Indiana University the School of Health, Physical Education and Recreation]. https://www.proquest.com/openview/1e4a3975bdb9fe55937751e4c04f340d/1?pq-origsite=gscholar&cbl=18750

Lee, H., Kim, J., &Bae, I. (2019). A research on the Mediating Role of Flow Experience between Involvement and Satisfaction Focus on Leisure Satisfaction for University Students. International Journal of Recent Technology and Engineering, 8(2S6), 27-20. https://doi.org/10.35940/ijrte.B1006.0782S61

Longbottom, J. L., Grove, B., & Dimmock, J. (2010). An examination of perfectionism traits and physical activity motivation. Psychology of Sport and Exercise, 11, 574-581. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychsport.2010.06.007

Lu, L., & Hu, C. H. (2005). Personality, leisure experiences and happiness. Journal of Happiness Studies, 6(3), 325-342. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10902-005-8628-3

Madigan, D. J., Stoeber, J., & Passfield, L. (2017). Athletes’ perfectionism and reasons for training: Perfectionistic concerns predict training for weight control. Personality and Individual Differences. 115, 133-136. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.paid.2016.03.034

Martin, J. A., Tipler, D. V., Marsh, H. V., Richards, G. E., & Williams, M. R. (2006). Assessing multidimensional physical activity motivation: A construct validity study of high school students. Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology, 28, 171-192. https://doi.org/10.1123/jsep.28.2.171

Murcia, J., Gimeno, E., & Coll, D. (2008). Relationships among goal orientations, motivational climate and flow in adolescent athletes: Differences by gender. The Spanish Journal of Psychology, 11(1), 181-191. https://doi.org/10.1017/S1138741600004224

Petosa, R. L., & Holtz, B. (2013) Flow for exercise adherence: Testing an intrinsic model of health behavior, American Journal of Health Education, 4, 5, 273-277, https://doi.org/10.1080/19325037.2013.811364

Petrie, T. A., Greenleaf, C., Reel, J., & Carter, J. (2009). Personality and Psychological Factors as Predictors of Disordered Eating Among Female Collegiate Athletes. Eating Disorders. 17, 302-321. https://doi.org/10.1080/10640260902991160

Russell, W. D. (2001). An exaniation of flow state occurrence in college athletes. Journal of Sport Behavior, 24(1), 83-107.

Salmon, J., Owen, N., Crawford, D., Bauman, A., & Sallis, J. F. (2003). Physical activity and sedentary behaviour: A population-based study of barriers, enjoyment, and preference. Health Psychology, 22, 178-188. https://doi.org/10.1037/0278-6133.22.2.178

Schüler, J., & Brunner, S. (2009). The rewarding effect of flow experience on performance in a marathon race. Psychology of Sport and Exercise, 10, 1, 168-174. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychsport.2008.07.001

Seigenthaler, K. (1997). Health benefits of leisure. Reseach update. Parks and Recreation, 32(1), 24-31

Serdar, E., & Mungan Ay, S. (2016). Üniversite öğrencilerinin katıldıkları serbest zaman aktivitelerinden tatmin olma ve algılanan özgürlük düzeylerinin incelenmesi. Research in Sport Sciences, 6(2), 1303-1414. https://dergipark.org.tr/tr/download/article-file/340384

Sharp, E. H., Coastsworth, J. D., Darling, N., Cumsille, P., & Ranieri, S. (2007). Gender differences in the self-defining activities and identity experiences of adolescents and emerging adults. Journal of Adolescence, 30(2), 251-269. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.adolescence.2006.02.006

Silverman, L. K. (1999). Perfectionism. Gifted Education International, 13(3), 216-255.

Slaney, R., & Ashby, J. (1996). Perfectionists: Study of a criterion group. Journal of Counseling and Development, 74, 393-398. https://doi.org/10.1002/j.1556-6676.1996.tb01885.x

Stavrou, N. A., Zervas, Y., Karteroliotis, K., & Jackson, S. A. (2007). Flow experience and athletes’ performance with reference to the orthogonal model of flow. The Sport Psychologist, 21(4), 438-457. https://doi.org/10.1123/tsp.21.4.438

Taranis, L., & Meyer, C. (2010). Perfectionism and compulsive exercise among female exercisers: High personal standards or self-criticism? Personality and Individual Differences. 2010, 49, 3-7. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.paid.2010.02.024

Vicent, M., Sanmartín, R., Gonzálvez, C., Vásconez-Rubio, O., & García-Fernández, J. M. (2021). Perfectionism, Motives, and Barriers to Exercise from a Person-Oriented Approach. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18., 8125. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18158125

Vong Tze, N. (2005). Leisure satisfaction and quality of life in Macao, China. Leisure Studies, 24(2), 195-207. https://doi.org/10.1080/02614360412331313502

Yalçın, C., Altındöker, M.& Yıldız, H. (2025). The moderating role of leisure satisfaction in the effect of peer relationships on happiness in adolescents. Journal of Education and Recreation Patterns (JERP), 6(1), 1-16. DOI: https://doi.org/10.53016/jerp.v6i1.278

Williams, J. M., Krane, V., Duda, J. L., & Treasure, D. C. (2021). The Motivational Climate, Motivation, and Implications for Empowering Athletes and the Promotion of the Quality of Sport Engagement. In Applied Sport Psychology: Personal Growth To Peak Performance (8th ed., pp. 57-76). McGraw-Hill Higher Education.

Wu, H. J., & Liang, R. D. (2011). The relationship between white-water rafting experience formation and customer reaction: A flow theory perspective. Tourism Management, 32(2), 317-325. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tourman.2010.03.001

Yerlisu Lapa, T. (2013). Life satisfaction, leisure satisfaction and perceived freedom of park recreation participants. Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences, 93, 1985-1993, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sbspro.2013.10.153




DOI: https://doi.org/10.53016/jerp.v6i2.293

Refbacks

  • There are currently no refbacks.


Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.

The Journal of Education and Recreation Patterns © 2023 by The Journal of Education and Recreation Patterns is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0