Investigating the Role of Big Five Personality Traits in Experiencing Flow

Abstract

This study investigates the role of the Big Five personality traits in predicting the flow experience among adult participants. Flow, a state of deep immersion and optimal engagement in activities, is crucial for well-being and productivity. This research aims to bridge this gap by examining how personality traits such as openness to experience, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness, and neuroticism affect the propensity to experience flow, with an additional focus. The study employs a quantitative research design, collecting data through surveys from 200 students (100 males and 100 females) aged 17-40 from various colleges in Madhya Pradesh. The questionnaire assesses the Big Five personality traits as well as flow experience. Data analysis includes Correlation analysis and regression analysis to explore the relationships between the variables.  Regression analysis reveals that extraversion and openness to experience significantly impact flow, whereas neuroticism negatively impacts it. Conscientiousness and agreeableness show minimal effects. Correlational analysis supports these results, with strong positive correlations between flow and openness to experience, conscientiousness, extraversion, and agreeableness, and a negative correlation with neuroticism. The results underscore the importance of fostering conducive environments and supportive contexts to enhance flow experiences through personality-informed interventions which provide valuable insights for educators, and students.