Hypnotic Susceptibility and the Attainment of Flowlike States during Exercise

Hypnotic susceptibility and prior experience were investigated as correlates of flowlike states during exercise. Heart rate was also examined as a potential correlate of flow. Circuit trainers (N = 96) completed a 10-item flow questionnaire and recorded their heart rates as they moved between exercise stations. Results indicated that self-reports of flowlike states increased from early to late in the exercise sessions, but that the magnitude of change was greater for participants high in hypnotic susceptibility than for those low in hypnotic susceptibility. Prior experience was also significantly related to flow ratings, with participants having more than 6 months of prior experience providing higher ratings than those with less than 6 months of prior experience. No significant relationship was observed between exercise heart rate and self-reports of flow. The findings are discussed in relation to the model of flow proposed by Kimiecik and Stein (1992).