Validity and reliability of the Portuguese version of the Dispositional Flow Scale-2 in exercise

Abstract

This study aimed to analyze the factorial validity and reliability of the Portuguese version of the Dispositional Flow Scale-2 (DFS-2; Jackson, and Eklund, 2002) with a sample of 1437 exercise participants, a population in which flow has not been widely studied. The CFA adjustment indices of the nine-factor first-order structure were acceptable. Both the time transformation and loss of self-consciousness scales presented modest correlations with the remaining flow dimensions. Internal consistency estimates were satisfactory for all flow factors. Except for time transformation, all the dispositional flow scales correlated with perceived competence in and enjoyment of exercise. These findings provide support for the validity and reliability of the Portuguese version of the DFS-2 for measuring flow experiences in exercise. The use of the nine flow factor level scores rather than a single global score is recommended.