engleski

FLOW EXPERIENCES IN ADOLESCENTS: COMPARISON OF MUSICALLY EDUCATED, ATHLETICALLY ACTIVE, AND OTHER ADOLESCENTS

The experience of flow affects the current feeling of happiness, as well as the experience of subjective well-being. Adolescents most often experience flow by engaging in activities that fulfil them. However, it is necessary to investigate whether there are differences in the experience of flow in adolescents who are musically educated, athletically active, and other adolescents. The aim of this study is to examine the frequency and conditions of experiencing flow in musically educated and athletically active adolescents. In this study, data were collected through questionnaires with 460 adolescent girls and boys (aged 15-19 years), from five secondary schools in Croatia. Musicians and athletes recognized the experiences of flow described in the questionnaire. They identified their experiences of flow which, according to the results of this study, they felt more often than the group of other adolescents. As expected, the groups listed activities in their area of greatest interest as sources of flow experience. Thus, musicians listed the activity of playing musical instruments, and athletes listed training sessions or participation in sports competitions. Interestingly, all three groups listed music- related activities as causes of experiencing flow. Since adolescence is a key period for practising adaptive life skills, we believe that music education and/or a structured sports program can encourage the development of these skills through positive experiences such as flow experience.

extracurricular activities ; positive development ; psychological well-being

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