Exploring the theoretical foundations of playfulness in computer interactions

This paper develops an integrated theory of playfulness in computer interactions using multiple constructs. Although previous researchers have suggested that playfulness should be measured as both a state and a trait, fully understanding the constructs involves much more than simply a state-trait measurement issue. This manuscript synthesizes the literature from social psychology, applied psychology, and human resource management and presents a comprehensive model of the network of constructs surrounding playfulness in computer interactions. This model serves to clarify both the trait and state influences on playfulness in computer interactions. Trait influences are captured through the Big Five theory of personality while state influences are captured by flow theory. Twenty-two hypotheses emerging from this model were tested using structural equation modeling. The results indicated that playful behaviors and flow had direct and significant causal paths, as theorized. Moreover, as predicted, the relationship between these constructs was in both directions—that is, a feedback loop existed. However, hypothesized causal paths between flow and microcomputer playfulness were not supported, nor were paths from the Big Five traits to the playfulness constructs. Further, the causal paths from computer anxiety to other constructs received mixed results, with multiple paths indicating relationships that were not in the hypothesized direction. Additional testing with a larger and independent sample is needed to further test and refine the theories advanced in this paper.