Abstract
Background
Flow or fascination is a state of mind in which a person performs a specific activity with peak interest and mental engagement. Researchers have confirmed the existence of flow experience during artistic, sports and work activities. However, due to the limitations of existing studies, the present study was conducted with the aim of investigating the average index of work-related flow in professors and residents of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences.
Methods
This cross-sectional study was conducted on clinical residents and professors at Shiraz University of Medical Sciences. Participants were selected using a weight-stratified sampling method from a population of 1200 individuals, which included 400 professors and 800 residents. Work-related flow was assessed using the Work-related Flow Inventory (WOLF), a 13-item scale rated on a 5-point Likert scale, where higher scores indicate greater work enthusiasm (total scores range from 13 to 65).
Results
In total, 104 professors and 230 residents were included into the study. The average of the total psychological index of work-related flow in professors and residents of medical sciences in Shiraz was equal to 43.31 ± 9.7. The age of the participants had a significant positive correlation with their average score (p < 0.001). The mean score for work-related flow was significantly higher in men than in women, higher in married compared to single ones, and also higher in professors than in residents. Specialized field could influence the work-related flow score that the highest and the lowest score was specified to general surgery and gynecology respectively.
Conclusion
Work-related fascination in clinical residents and professors of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences is different and is affected by their gender, age and specialized field.