Flow theory

Philosophical Assumptions and Principles- Factors Determining Flow

Challenge-Skill Balance: A task that is a balance between high skill and high challenge but is still achievable Autotelic Activity: An activity that has an intrinsic reward -- no external goal or reward Autotelic Personality: Individuals who are highly capable of experiencing flow

Philosophical Assumptions and Principles- Factors Determining Flow

Five ways to cultivate one's self into an autotelic person: Set goals that have clear, immediate feedback Become immersed in the particular activity Pay attention to what is happening in the moment Learn to enjoy immediate experience Proportion one's skills to the challenge at hand

History of flow

Flow Theory founded by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi in 1975 Psychology-based theory Mihaly is the author of three books about flow: Beyond Boredom and Anxiety (1975) Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience (1990) Flow: The Psychology of Happiness (2013)

Philosophical Assumptions and Principles- Factors Determining Flow

Flow: The holistic experience that people feel when they act with total involvement Characteristics of flow: Clear goals Immediate feedback Balance between skills and challenges Sense of control Focus and concentration Effortless action Loss of self-consciousness Distorted sense of time Merged action and awareness

Activity

High challenge, low skills: Neuro Crossword Puzzle High challenge, high skill: Goniometry Low skill, low challenge: Easy math problems High skill, low challenge: Jenga

Strengths:

Holistic Goal-oriented Recognizes environment as an important aspect in creating flow Increases productivity Improves performance Further learning and skill development

History of flow

Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi Born in Hungary in 1934 Locked up in an Italian prison as a child Seminal work influenced by his experience with misery and loss of family and friends during World War II Moved to and studied psychology in the United States Initial experience with flow was with his observations and studies on artists and creative types Theory influenced by his interest in the concept of intrinsic motivation and his interest in the factors that contribute to making life worth living and contribute to happiness

Future advancement and research:

Standardized measure/tool to measure flow Schematic to conceptualize flow theory Standardized definition of flow Standardized methodology for studying flow More research on how flow is implemented in practice

Weaknesses:

Subjective Hard to research There are no direct methods to reach flow-state By focusing on the external correlates to flow, the model ignores the internal causes of flow. Too many definitions of flow in research Lack of a schematic Varied methodologies in research when studying flow