Development and Determining the Reliability and Validity of the Work-Related Flow State Questionnaire (WFSQ) Among Military Personnel

Work is one of the most important activities in human life, and it is the hope for many that it gives positive experiences and performance enhancement. The aim of the present study was to develop and determine the reliability and validity of a work-related flow state questionnaire (WFSQ) among military personnel. The study population was military personnel in Tehran, Iran in 2017, of which 500 men, with a mean age of 42.2± 6.8 years and work experience duration of 17.7±6.7 years were chosen by accessible sampling. The participants completed questionnaires including the work-related flow state questionnaire (WFSQ), work-related flow inventory (WOLF), and positive and negative affect scale (PANAS). Exploratory factor analysis, Pearson's correlation coefficient, test-retest reliability, and Cronbach's alpha coefficient were used to analyze the data. The findings of the exploratory factor analysis using Varimax Rotation showed that WFSQ has an appropriate four-factor structure (absorption, enjoyment, intrinsic motivation, and perception of time), accounting for 52.92% of instrument variance. Results of convergent validity showed that all subscales and the total score of WFSQ had a positive significant correlation with WOLF and PA, and has a negative significant correlation with NA. Also, test-retest reliability within a two-week period (0.79‒0.82), and Cronbach's alpha coefficient (0.87) showed satisfactory test-retest reliability and the instrument’s consistency. The findings showed that the WFSQ had satisfactory reliability and validity and it is an appropriate tool for measuring flow state in military personnel