| The purpose of this research study was to test a psychological theory of motivation called the Flow Theory by Csikszentmihalyi as it relates to non-industrial textile production activities. In using the Flow Theory, researchers attempt to explain why individuals continue participation with a specific activity; namely that the activity induces a highly focused state (called the flow state) characterized by an individual sense of control, heightened challenges, the presence of creativity, a lack of interest in the product after completion, and a perceived distortion of time among others which in turn provides enjoyment for the individual. Both quantitative and qualitative data were collected to test four hypotheses and the proposition of Repeated episodes of flow leads to mastery as well as to satisfy three objectives. One hundred and fifty individuals participated in a mailed survey selected via snowball sampling. Sixteen participants were then selected from the original 150 to participate in a telephone interview.; Hypotheses were tested using the Pearson Correlation and Chi-Square tests. Scatter plot diagrams were also used to determine variability of data from the ideal. Qualitative data from the surveys and interviews were coded and analyzed for themes. They were also used to further test the hypotheses, satisfy objectives, and test the proposition. It was concluded that Csikszentmihalyi's Flow Theory is very applicable to clothing and textiles subject matter in that participants experienced greater occurrences of the flow state as they continued with activity participation. However, unlike Csikszentmihalyi's assertion that individuals would be motivated to start an activity for extrinsic reasons, many of this study's participants began to participate in their non-industrial textile production activity for intrinsic reasons as well. Csikszentmihalyi also posited that an individual would lose interest in extrinsic rewards as they progressed in skill. However, it was found that both extrinsic and intrinsic motivating factors were present at all skill levels. Nevertheless, because of its applicability, the Flow Theory can now be used to derive a new theory specific to the clothing and textiles field besides being used to explain other clothing and textiles phenomena. |
