Experimental research has been centered on activities that can be easily observed, controlled and varied in the laboratory such as computer gaming. The general assumption has been that the features of flow did not differ from one domain to another (see Cseh, 2016, for an exception). 825).įlow has been a robust subject for research and theorizing (Engeser, 2012 Harmat et al., 2016). Csikszentmihalyi also recognized a paradox with respect to control: Flow feels effortless with no conscious sense of controlling what emerges, but, given flow's characteristics, he assumed that “one has to be in control of the activity in order to experience it” (Csikszentmihalyi, 1999, p. controlled cognitive processes (Schneider and Shiffrin, 1977 Meier et al., 2003), time perception (Zakay and Block, 1996), and modes of cognition (Evans, 2008).Ĭsikszentmihalyi ( 1999) also noted common cognitive contents no longer present no distractions such as what Smallwood and Schooler ( 2006) called mind-wandering, no fears of failure (Clark et al., 1956), none of the usual self-consciousness of everyday life (Schutz, 1945). These properties are cognitive they are relevant to the study of problem representation (Newell et al., 1958 Pretz et al., 2003), automatic vs. Csikszentmihalyi ( 1999) described the elements of the flow experience this way: The sense of having stepped out of the routines of everyday life into a different reality (See also Schutz, 1945), clear goals every step of the way, immediate feedback, effortless attention, action and awareness merged, balance between skill and challenge, time distortion, and spontaneity. He found examples in physical activities such as rock climbing, sports (where it is also known as being in the zone), games such as chess, religious rituals, occupational activities such as surgery, and creating in the arts (creative flow). The concept of flow, an experience of total engagement in an activity, was introduced into psychology by Csikszentmihalyi ( 1975) based primarily on first-hand accounts in a variety of domains.

The flow of creativity csikszentmihalyi