| This study investigated elite women athletes' experiences of flow using in-depth phenomenological interviews (Seidman, 1998). Although women have always been included in flow research, qualitative research aimed at understanding women's flow experiences in a broader life context has been absent. Research has described flow as a genderless state (Oglesby & Hill, 1993), the same for men and women. Yet, ample research in sport suggests that women's sport experiences are indeed unique.; The participants were 10 female women athletes (ages 19--44 yrs.) who had competed or were currently competing in an individual sport at the Olympic, professional, or national/international amateur level. The women represented additional experiences that may occur during non-deliberative performance. Flow is also suggested as a mediating or neutralizing experience to women's objectification of their bodies (Fredrickson & Roberts, 1997). Methods used to increase trustworthiness, confirmability, and dependability of the research included prolonged engagement, peer debriefing, an independent audit, and the researcher's reflexive journal, diverse ethnicities, cultures, backgrounds and sports. Three interviews (Seidman, 1998) were conducted with each of the 10 elite female athletes. From a constant comparative analysis of the coded and themed interviews emerged a model that situated the women athletes' flow experiences in a broader context.; The Paradox of Deliberateness model provides the structure for understanding the developmental process of flow that occurs throughout the sporting lives of these women. The analysis revealed three distinct athletic career pathways and two key processes that occurred as these women developed their expertise. These key processes were identified as Individual Synthesis and Transformation. Individual Synthesis occurred throughout their training and sport careers. The women actively engaged in making the training fit their unique physical and mental makeup. Transformation involved the athletes shifting from thoughtful, deliberate and structured technical and physical training efforts to a non-deliberate performance. Factors that enhanced and hindered this transformation were identified.; Further research is needed to identify other factors that may influence this transformation and to describe additional experiences that may occur during non-deliberative performance. Flow is also suggested as a mediating or neutralizing experience to women's objectification of their bodies (Fredrickson & Roberts, 1997). Methods used to increase trustworthiness, confirmability, and dependability of the research included prolonged engagement, peer debriefing, an independent audit, and the researcher's reflexive journal. |
