Exploration of the flow process

This project continues to evaluate the theoretical construct of ‘flow’ and the current measurements of ‘flow’. It has already developed understanding of this human optimal experience by describing how the phenomenon is experienced before, during and afterwards. Flow has been distinguished from other states of consciousness, such as mindfulness and positive distraction.

A later stage of the research examines flow within different levels of skilled occupation, and, examined the relationship between ‘flow’ and mental health/wellbeing applying Reversal Theory.

Project objectives

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.

Project impact

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. Occupations may lead to optimal experience when they lead to altered and ordered states of consciousness

This study is to be continued, following participation in the international Flow conference “The Concept of Flow: Towards a Scientific Integration”, Braunschweig,

Research team

An exploration of the Flow Process
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.

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