Author(s): BONCU, A., DAVID, B., Institution: WEST UNIVERSITY OF TIMISOARA, Country: ROMANIA, Abstract-ID: 2146

The current study employs the theories of self-determination, achievement goals, optimal experience, and the Five Factor Model of personality to examine the extent to which the tendency to experience the flow state is correlated with personality traits, motivational climate, and the three basic psychological needs, and predicted by them. In a sample of 96 athletes, aged between 18 and 34 years, who play football in the top 4 leagues in Romania, it was observed that the flow state is positively correlated with agreeableness, conscientiousness, openness, relatedness, autonomy, perceived internal locus of causality, and volition. The results also revealed a negative association between the ego-involvement climate, neuroticism, and the flow state. Furthermore, hierarchical regression analysis indicates that both the satisfaction of the need for competence and the task involvement climate play a significant role in experiencing the flow state, being significant predictors.