Flow Perspectives: Using the FSS-2 to Compare Climbers With and Without Disabilities

Background: Participation in adventure as a recreational therapy intervention is well-recognized for its benefits for people with disabilities. Advances in technology and adaptive equipment have increased accessibility to adventure-based activities for those with physical disabilities. Climbing has long been established to facilitate the psychological state of flow; however, there is little research on the experience of flow in individuals with physical disabilities and adaptive climbing, specifically. Purpose: This study investigated if flow is experienced differently between individuals with and without physical disabilities who participated in climbing programs and to determine if there was a relationship between flow and intentions in future participation in climbing. Methodology: The Flow State Scale-2 was used to assess flow and additional questions measured participation. Findings: The global flow score on the FSS-2 indicated that climbers with and without disabilities both experienced a flow-like state. Climbers without disabilities reported a significantly higher sense of control, one of the nine dimensions of flow. Implications: With a better understanding of how people with physical disabilities experience flow, practitioners can better design interventions to facilitate this experience and should know how flow can best be used to promote an active leisure lifestyle.