Coping Strategies as a Predictors of Flow State Dimensions – Network Analysis Perspective

This study used network analysis to determine which abstraction level of stress coping—seven broad factors, 14 specific strategies, or 28 individual coping behaviours—most effectively predicts flow dimensions (e.g. absorption and fluency). The study involved 528 board game players (248 women, 280 men) aged 18–57 years (M = 30.13, SD = 8.31), each with at least a year of gaming experience. Participants completed the Flow Short Scale and Mini-COPE inventory. A Gaussian graphical model with lasso regularization was applied for network analysis. Results showed that task-oriented strategies, such as planning and active coping, were most strongly linked to flow dimensions. Absorption and fluency are better predicted by higher levels of abstraction of coping with stress. The study findings suggest that effective coping strategies, especially problem-focused ones, may promote flow dimensions by balancing perceived challenges and skills, offering valuable insights for enhancing stress management and psychological well-being.