The roles of cognitive and motivational imagery on flow: a multiple indicators multiple causes approach

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Introduction While mental training in coaching often targets Flow, it may overlook its multidimensional nature and distinct imagery pathways, limiting effective interventions for athletic performance. This study examined the effects of five imagery abilities—Skill, Strategy, Goal, Affect, and Mastery—on nine Flow dimensions in sport using a Multiple Indicators Multiple Causes (MIMIC) model. Method Self-reported measures were obtained from 375 collegiate athletes, with confirmatory factor analyses supporting validity. Results Initial MIMIC results indicated that motivational imagery abilities (Goal, Affect, Mastery) significantly predicted Flow ( β = 0.08–0.28, p s < 0.05), whereas cognitive imagery (Skill, Strategy) showed no direct effects ( β ≈ 0.00, p s > 0.05). A mediation model revealed that cognitive imagery was indirectly associated with Flow via motivational imagery across most dimensions, with effects ranging from β = 0.12 to 0.58 ( p s < 0.016). Loss of self-consciousness exhibited weak, non-significant correlations, highlighting the difficulty of reproducing this component through mental rehearsal. Discussion Findings suggest motivational imagery acts as a bridge between cognitive imagery and Flow, integrating motivational elements into cognitive-focused interventions to enhance Flow in competitive sport.