The development and validation of the autotelic personality questionnaire

Autotelic personality is a constellation of dispositional attributes that facilitate engagement and enjoyment in daily activities. However, there is no existing measurement directly capturing the attributes of autotelic personality that are identified in the literature. In the three studies reported here (total N = 900), we developed an Autotelic Personality Questionnaire (APQ) and evaluated its reliability and validity. Results from the studies provide support for adequate internal consistency, longitudinal invariance, and test–retest reliability (Study 1 and Study 2). Furthermore, APQ scores were significantly correlated with measures of conscientiousness, openness to experience, extraversion, neuroticism, and internal locus of control. In addition, APQ scores predicted flow proneness and satisfaction with life (Study 2). These results provide support for construct and criterion validity. Finally, people high in autotelic personality experienced more flow state than those low in autotelic personality during a word unscrambling task (Study 3), indicating good criterion validity of the APQ scores. Limitations, future research, and implications are discussed.