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.