Further explorations into the conundrum of flow process

A phenomenological approach was taken to examine the flow experiences of seven participants. The method included participants keeping journals and semi-structured interviews. The flow process seemed to vary because of apparent differences between the participants’ experiences: challenge-skills, enjoyment, positive distraction and mindfulness.

These phenomena had similarities, as all participants described them as positive psychological states that were a consequence of being absorbed in an occupation. Differences appeared to include prior affect and the degree of challenge an occupation presented. This research has highlighted the importance of meaning and the essential role occupation may have in protecting wellbeing. In this way of understanding the effects of occupations, or deep engagement in an activity, optimal experience may be observed, when the participation leads to altered and ordered states of consciousness.

Flow is also called ‘the zone’ in sports science – and so this current research may be applicable to participation in sports and games and add to the current understanding within sports science.

Project aims

To deepen understanding of the process of a form of optimal human experience, termed flow, including a detailed focus on how it begins, continues, and ends.

Project impact

This project is achieving its aims including some disentanglement from other conscious states, including mindfulness.  Of particular importance is the discovery that the purpose or circumstances of the activity at any particular time can influence whether a flow state might be reached or not. For example, when playing a musical instrument, doing it for fun might lead to a flow experience more easily than if one is playing it for a critical onlooker. Publications are disseminating these new understandings, and ultimately this will have utility within health promotion and clinical work, such as using deeply engaging activities within mental health services.

Research team

Dr Jon Wright

Professor Gaynor Sadlo

Dr Graham Stew

Output

Publications

Wright JJ, Wright S, Sadlo G & Stew G 2014 Exploring Optimal Experiences: A Reversal Theory Perspective of Flow and Occupational Science.  Journal of Occupational Science 21(2) 173-187.

Wright JJ, Wright S, Sadlo G & Stew G 2014 A Reversal Theory Exploration of Flow Process and the Flow Channel.  Journal of Occupational Science 21(2) 188-201.

Wright J, Wright S, Sadlo G, & Stew G 2012 Exploring optimal experiences: a reversal theory perspective of flow and occupational scienceJournal Of Occupational Science . ISSN 1442-7591

Wright JJ, Sadlo G, Stew G 2007  Further Explorations of Flow Process. Journal of Occupational Science.  14 (3) 136-144

Wright JJ,Sadlo G,Stew G 2006 Challenge-skills and mindfulness: the conundrum of flow process.  Occupational Therapy Journal of Research: Occupation, Participation and Health.   26(1):25-32 ISSN: 1539-4492.