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Pesce C, Tocci N. Creativity and consciousness in motion: The roundtrip of "mindful" and "mindless" processes in embodied creativity. PROGRESS IN BRAIN RESEARCH 2024; 287:123-151. [PMID: 39097351 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pbr.2024.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/05/2024]
Abstract
In this opinion paper, we make a journey across different accounts of creativity that emphasize either the mindful, conscious and cognitive expression of creativity, or its mindless, unconscious and sensorimotor expression. We try to go beyond dichotomy, putting creativity in motion and outlining its embodied and enactive features. Based on the assumption that no creative act is purely conscious or purely unconscious, our discussion on creativity relies on the distinction of three types of creativity that complementarily contribute to the creative process through shifts in the activation of their substrates in the brain: the deliberate, spontaneous and flow types of creativity. The latter is a hybrid and embodied type, in which movement and physical activity meet creativity. We then focus on the most fascinating contribution of unconscious processes and mind wandering to spontaneous and flow modes of creativity, exploring what happens when the individual apparently takes a break from a deliberate and effortful search for solutions and the creative process progresses through an incubation phase. This phase and the overall creative process can be facilitated by physical activity which, depending on its features and context, can disengage the cognitive control network and free the mind from filters that constrain cognitive processes or, conversely, can engage attentional control on sensorimotor and cognitive task components in a mindful way. Lastly, we focus on the unique features of the outer natural environment of physical activity and of the inner environment during mindful movements that can restore capacities and boost creativity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caterina Pesce
- University of Rome "Foro Italico", Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, Rome, Italy.
| | - Nicoletta Tocci
- University of Rome "Foro Italico", Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, Rome, Italy
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2
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Parvizi-Wayne D, Sandved-Smith L, Pitliya RJ, Limanowski J, Tufft MRA, Friston KJ. Forgetting ourselves in flow: an active inference account of flow states and how we experience ourselves within them. Front Psychol 2024; 15:1354719. [PMID: 38887627 PMCID: PMC11182004 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1354719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Flow has been described as a state of optimal performance, experienced universally across a broad range of domains: from art to athletics, gaming to writing. However, its phenomenal characteristics can, at first glance, be puzzling. Firstly, individuals in flow supposedly report a loss of self-awareness, even though they perform in a manner which seems to evince their agency and skill. Secondly, flow states are felt to be effortless, despite the prerequisite complexity of the tasks that engender them. In this paper, we unpick these features of flow, as well as others, through the active inference framework, which posits that action and perception are forms of active Bayesian inference directed at sustained self-organisation; i.e., the minimisation of variational free energy. We propose that the phenomenology of flow is rooted in the deployment of high precision weight over (i) the expected sensory consequences of action and (ii) beliefs about how action will sequentially unfold. This computational mechanism thus draws the embodied cognitive system to minimise the ensuing (i.e., expected) free energy through the exploitation of the pragmatic affordances at hand. Furthermore, given the challenging dynamics the flow-inducing situation presents, attention must be wholly focussed on the unfolding task whilst counterfactual planning is restricted, leading to the attested loss of the sense of self-as-object. This involves the inhibition of both the sense of self as a temporally extended object and higher-order, meta-cognitive forms of self-conceptualisation. Nevertheless, we stress that self-awareness is not entirely lost in flow. Rather, it is pre-reflective and bodily. Our approach to bodily-action-centred phenomenology can be applied to similar facets of seemingly agentive experience beyond canonical flow states, providing insights into the mechanisms of so-called selfless experiences, embodied expertise and wellbeing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darius Parvizi-Wayne
- Department of Experimental Psychology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Lars Sandved-Smith
- Monash Centre for Consciousness and Contemplative Studies, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Riddhi J. Pitliya
- Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- VERSES AI Research Lab, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Jakub Limanowski
- Institute of Psychology, University of Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Miles R. A. Tufft
- Department of Experimental Psychology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Karl J. Friston
- VERSES AI Research Lab, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
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3
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Rosen D, Oh Y, Chesebrough C, Zhang FZ, Kounios J. Creative flow as optimized processing: Evidence from brain oscillations during jazz improvisations by expert and non-expert musicians. Neuropsychologia 2024; 196:108824. [PMID: 38387554 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropsychologia.2024.108824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2023] [Revised: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
Using a creative production task, jazz improvisation, we tested alternative hypotheses about the flow experience: (A) that it is a state of domain-specific processing optimized by experience and characterized by minimal interference from task-negative default-mode network (DMN) activity versus (B) that it recruits domain-general task-positive DMN activity supervised by the fronto-parietal control network (FPCN) to support ideation. We recorded jazz guitarists' electroencephalograms (EEGs) while they improvised to provided chord sequences. Their flow-states were measured with the Core Flow State Scale. Flow-related neural sources were reconstructed using SPM12. Over all musicians, high-flow (relative to low-flow) improvisations were associated with transient hypofrontality. High-experience musicians' high-flow improvisations showed reduced activity in posterior DMN nodes. Low-experience musicians showed no flow-related DMN or FPCN modulation. High-experience musicians also showed modality-specific left-hemisphere flow-related activity while low-experience musicians showed modality-specific right-hemisphere flow-related deactivations. These results are consistent with the idea that creative flow represents optimized domain-specific processing enabled by extensive practice paired with reduced cognitive control.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Rosen
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Drexel University, United States.
| | - Yongtaek Oh
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Drexel University, United States.
| | | | - Fengqing Zoe Zhang
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Drexel University, United States.
| | - John Kounios
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Drexel University, United States.
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4
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Khalil R, Demarin V. Creative therapy in health and disease: Inner vision. CNS Neurosci Ther 2024; 30:e14266. [PMID: 37305955 PMCID: PMC10915997 DOI: 10.1111/cns.14266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2023] [Revised: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Can we better understand the unique mechanisms of de novo abilities in light of our current knowledge of the psychological and neuroscientific literature on creativity? This review outlines the state-of-the-art in the neuroscience of creativity and points out crucial aspects that still demand further exploration, such as brain plasticity. The progressive development of current neuroscience research on creativity presents a multitude of prospects and potentials for furnishing efficacious therapy in the context of health and illness. Therefore, we discuss directions for future studies, identifying a focus on pinpointing the neglected beneficial practices for creative therapy. We emphasize the neglected neuroscience perspective of creativity on health and disease and how creative therapy could offer limitless possibilities to improve our well-being and give hope to patients with neurodegenerative diseases to compensate for their brain injuries and cognitive impairments by expressing their hidden creativity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Radwa Khalil
- School of Business, Social and Decision SciencesConstructor UniversityBremenGermany
| | - Vida Demarin
- International Institute for Brain HealthZagrebCroatia
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5
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Dias Alves M, Olmi E, Durand JY, Mitri F, Knefati Y, Vion-Dury J. Coloring complex shapes decreases patient anxiety in three care environments: a pilot study with color analysis. Front Psychol 2024; 15:1336202. [PMID: 38449752 PMCID: PMC10914959 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1336202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction This study was conducted to determine the effectiveness of coloring activity of circular symmetrical shape with complex patterns, so-called mandala, on anxiety associated with chronic illness in three different ambulatory medical situations (general consultation, psychiatric day hospital, and hemodialysis session). Methods Thirty patients were included in three groups and came from three different ambulatory medical situations: a hemodialysis group (n = 10), a psychiatric day hospital group (n = 10), and a nephrology consultation group (n = 10). We asked the patients to fill STAI-S and STAI-T questionnaires before to color complex circular shape with complex patterns, then to fill the STAI-S questionnaire again and a questionnaire on the experience of the activity. Results The results show that the STAI-S score was significantly lower after coloring for the hemodialysis (p = 0.02) and psychiatric groups (p = 0.005) but not for the general consultation group (p = 0.26). STAI-T scores did not differ between groups. The distribution of colors in the mandala was different in the three groups of patients. A positive subjective experience of the activity was found in all groups. Discussion These results show the effectiveness of a coloring activity of a circular shape with complex patterns on anxiety associated with chronic illness in care environment. The different distribution of the colors of the mandala in the three groups raises the question of the influence of the context on the mood of the patients and the deeper meaning of the choice of colors and their placement in the mandala. Our study reinforces the multiple applications of art activities in different medical disciplines and encourages their development within healthcare settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Dias Alves
- Center Hospitalier Intercommunal de Toulon La Seyne-sur-Mer, Toulon, France
- Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, PRISM, Marseille, France
| | - Elodie Olmi
- Département Universitaire de Médecine Générale, Faculté des Sciences Médicales et Paramédicales, Marseille, France
| | - Jean-Yves Durand
- Département Universitaire de Médecine Générale, Faculté des Sciences Médicales et Paramédicales, Marseille, France
| | - Fabien Mitri
- Délégation à la Recherche Clinique, Centre Hospitalier Intercommunal de Toulon La Seyne-sur-Mer, Toulon, France
| | - Yannick Knefati
- Center Hospitalier Intercommunal de Toulon La Seyne-sur-Mer, Toulon, France
| | - Jean Vion-Dury
- Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, PRISM, Marseille, France
- Pôle Universitaire de Psychiatrie, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Marseille, Marseille, France
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Ganter-Argast C, Schipper M, Shamsrizi M, Stein C, Khalil R. The light side of gaming: creativity and brain plasticity. Front Hum Neurosci 2024; 17:1280989. [PMID: 38249576 PMCID: PMC10796710 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2023.1280989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Could gaming enhance brain plasticity and executive functions (EFs) by fostering creativity? We identify vital benefits from further research exploring the relationship between games, brain plasticity, and creativity. The ongoing progress in neuroscience research in these three disciplines offers many possibilities and prospects for impactful therapy. Therefore, we emphasize the significance of investigating the untapped potentials of using games in creative therapy-our perspective on the often-overlooked neuroscientific aspect of creativity concerning health and wellbeing. One of these potentials is examining games as a therapeutic tool, focusing on their capacity to inspire and engage the imagination and other mental operators shared with creativity. Using a game as a therapeutic approach may boost brain plasticity, which may help them reduce their cognitive impairments by improving their EFs. This review offers a comprehensive outline of the latest advancements in the literature on games that tie to creativity through enhancing brain plasticity and EFs. Communicating this knowledge can furnish countless possibilities to improve our overall health and wellbeing and foster a positive perspective in individuals affected by anxiety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christiane Ganter-Argast
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital and Faculty of Medicine, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- University of Applied Sciences, Nürtingen-Geislingen, Nürtingen, Germany
| | - Marc Schipper
- University of Applied Sciences and Arts, Ottersberg, Germany
- Institute for Psychology, Arts, and Society, Bremen, Germany
| | - Manouchehr Shamsrizi
- IFA – Institut für Auslandsbeziehungen, Stuttgart, Germany
- Excellence Cluster Matters of Activity / Gamelab.Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Christian Stein
- Excellence Cluster Matters of Activity / Gamelab.Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Radwa Khalil
- School of Business, Social, and Decision Sciences, Constructor University, Bremen, Germany
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Saway BF, Cunningham CM, Ismail M, Spiotta AM. Flow State and Neurosurgery. World Neurosurg 2024; 181:73-77. [PMID: 37839563 DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2023.10.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Brian F Saway
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - Conor M Cunningham
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - Mustafa Ismail
- College of Medicine, University of Baghdad, Baghdad, Iraq
| | - Alejandro M Spiotta
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA.
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Khalil R, Agnoli S, Mastria S, Kondinska A, Karim AA, Godde B. Individual differences and creative ideation: neuromodulatory signatures of mindset and response inhibition. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1238165. [PMID: 38125402 PMCID: PMC10731982 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1238165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
This study addresses the modulatory role of individual mindset in explaining the relationship between response inhibition (RI) and divergent thinking (DT) using transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS). Forty undergraduate students (22 male and 18 female), aged between 18 and 23 years (average age = 19 years, SD = 1.48), were recruited. Participants received either anodal tDCS of the right IFG coupled with cathodal tDCS of the left IFG (R + L-; N = 19) or the opposite coupling (R-L+; N = 21). We tested DT performance using the alternative uses task (AUT), measuring participants' fluency, originality, and flexibility in the response production, as well as participants' mindsets. Furthermore, we applied a go-no-go task to examine the role of RI before and after stimulating the inferior frontal gyrus (IFG) using tDCS. The results showed that the mindset levels acted as moderators on stimulation conditions and enhanced RI on AUT fluency and flexibility but not originality. Intriguingly, growth mindsets have opposite moderating effects on the change in DT, resulting from the tDCS stimulation of the left and the right IFG, with reduced fluency but enhanced flexibility. Our findings imply that understanding neural modulatory signatures of ideational processes with tDCS strongly benefits from evaluating cognitive status and control functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Radwa Khalil
- School of Business, Social and Decision Sciences, Constructor University, Bremen, Germany
| | - Sergio Agnoli
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
- Marconi Institute for Creativity, Sasso Marconi, Italy
| | - Serena Mastria
- Department of Psychology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Angela Kondinska
- School of Business, Social and Decision Sciences, Constructor University, Bremen, Germany
| | - Ahmed A. Karim
- School of Business, Social and Decision Sciences, Constructor University, Bremen, Germany
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Clinic Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Department of Health Psychology and Neurorehabilitation, SRH Mobile University, Riedlingen, Germany
| | - Ben Godde
- School of Business, Social and Decision Sciences, Constructor University, Bremen, Germany
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9
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Bowling DL. Biological principles for music and mental health. Transl Psychiatry 2023; 13:374. [PMID: 38049408 PMCID: PMC10695969 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-023-02671-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Efforts to integrate music into healthcare systems and wellness practices are accelerating but the biological foundations supporting these initiatives remain underappreciated. As a result, music-based interventions are often sidelined in medicine. Here, I bring together advances in music research from neuroscience, psychology, and psychiatry to bridge music's specific foundations in human biology with its specific therapeutic applications. The framework I propose organizes the neurophysiological effects of music around four core elements of human musicality: tonality, rhythm, reward, and sociality. For each, I review key concepts, biological bases, and evidence of clinical benefits. Within this framework, I outline a strategy to increase music's impact on health based on standardizing treatments and their alignment with individual differences in responsivity to these musical elements. I propose that an integrated biological understanding of human musicality-describing each element's functional origins, development, phylogeny, and neural bases-is critical to advancing rational applications of music in mental health and wellness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel L Bowling
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA.
- Center for Computer Research in Music and Acoustics (CCRMA), Stanford University, School of Humanities and Sciences, Stanford, CA, USA.
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10
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Close J, Spicer SG, Nicklin LL, Uther M, Whalley B, Fullwood C, Parke J, Lloyd J, Lloyd H. Exploring the relationships between psychological variables and loot box engagement, part 1: pre-registered hypotheses. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2023; 10:231045. [PMID: 38126068 PMCID: PMC10731324 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.231045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Loot boxes are purchasable randomized rewards in video games that share structural and psychological similarities with gambling. Systematic review evidence has established reproducible associations between loot box purchasing and both problem gambling and problem video gaming, perhaps driven by a range of overlapping psychological processes (e.g. impulsivity, gambling-related cognitions, etc.) It has also been argued that loot box engagement may have negative influences on player financial and psychological wellbeing. We conducted a pre-registered survey of 1495 loot box purchasing gamers (LB cohort) and 1223 gamers who purchase other, non-randomized game content (nLB cohort). Our survey confirms 15 of our 23 pre-registered hypotheses against our primary outcome (risky loot box engagement), establishing associations with problem gambling, problem gaming, impulsivity, gambling cognitions, experiences of game-related 'flow' and specific 'distraction and compulsion' motivations for purchase. Results with hypotheses concerning potential harms established that risky loot box engagement was negatively correlated with wellbeing and positively correlated with distress. Overall, results indicate that any risks from loot boxes are liable to disproportionately affect various 'at risk' cohorts (e.g. those experiencing problem gambling or video gaming), thereby reiterating calls for policy action on loot boxes.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Close
- Peninsula Medical School, Faculty of Health, University of Plymouth, Plymouth PL4 8AA, UK
- School of Psychology, University of Plymouth, Plymouth PL4 8AA, UK
| | - Stuart Gordon Spicer
- Community and Primary Care Research Group (CPCRG), ITTC Building, Davy Road, Plymouth Science Park, Derriford, Plymouth PL6 8BX, UK
| | - Laura Louise Nicklin
- School of Education, Faculty of Education, Health and Wellbeing, University of Wolverhampton, Wolverhampton WS1 3BD, UK
| | - Maria Uther
- Enterprise and Innovation, Faculty of Health, Education and Life Sciences, Birmingham City University, Seacole Building, Edgbaston Campus, Birmingham, UK
| | - Ben Whalley
- School of Psychology, University of Plymouth, Plymouth PL4 8AA, UK
| | - Chris Fullwood
- School of Natural, Sport and Social Sciences, University of Gloucestershire, Cheltenham, UK
| | | | - Joanne Lloyd
- Cyberpsychology Research Group, Department of Psychology, Faculty of Education, Health and Wellbeing, University of Wolverhampton, Wolverhampton WV1 1LY, UK
| | - Helen Lloyd
- School of Psychology, University of Plymouth, Plymouth PL4 8AA, UK
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11
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Karsai I, Nagy Z, Nagy T, Kocsor F, Láng A, Kátai E, Miseta A, Fazekas G, Kállai J. Physical exercise induces mental flow related to catecholamine levels in noncompetitive, but not competitive conditions in men. Sci Rep 2023; 13:14238. [PMID: 37648819 PMCID: PMC10469213 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-41518-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The study aimed to reveal physical exercise conditions and catecholamine response-dependent differences while an individual experiences a flow state (FS) following noncompetitive and competitive running drills. Urine laboratory catecholamine levels were measured using a standard clinical method during pre- and post-physical exercises. The noncompetitive task involved intermittent running drills, from an absolute beginning up through exhaustion. Initially, the drill is performed individually then later competing alongside other runners. Twenty-two males (mean age: 40.27; SD: 5.4; min-max: 31-49 years) were selected in accordance to the following criterion: healthy status without using medication, routine forms of training (running, cycling or swimming) ideally performed with regularity, at least three times per week, 45 min per session. During the noncompetitive task, a high FS experience was associated with a low level of catecholamines, (noradrenaline and adrenaline) while in parallel, the high FS was associated with a low concentration of homovallinic acid. During competitive conditions, the FS-related catecholamine level changes have not yet been found. In conclusion, the low concentration of the circulating catecholamines supports the transient hypofrontality hypothesis regarding the FS experiences. Furthermore, synchronized noradrenaline and adrenaline neurosecretion play an essential role in the manifestation and the prolongation of FS in noncompetitive exercise conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- István Karsai
- Sports and Physical Education Center, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Zsófia Nagy
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary.
- Sport and Medicine Research Group, Regenerative Science, Szentágothai Research Center, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary.
| | - Tamás Nagy
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Ferenc Kocsor
- Institute of Psychology, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - András Láng
- Institute of Psychology, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Emese Kátai
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Attila Miseta
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Gábor Fazekas
- Department of Vascular Surgery, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - János Kállai
- Department of Behavioral Sciences, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
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12
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Rogers CJ, Tolmie A, Massonnié J, Thomas MSC. Complex cognition and individual variability: a mixed methods study of the relationship between creativity and executive control. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1191893. [PMID: 37425186 PMCID: PMC10323225 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1191893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023] Open
Abstract
One of the methodological challenges of educational neuroscience is understanding real world cognition in the multifaceted environment of the classroom. Complex cognition does not simplify to processes (which might be satisfactorily measured in the lab) but to sets of activities, likely to vary between individuals, which involve the iterative use of multiple processes, as well as the environment, over an extended period of time. As such, studying complex cognition requires methodological flexibility; any single method is unlikely to provide complete answers. We illustrate this idea with our research exploring the relationship between executive control (EC) and creativity in primary school age children; in it, we used both qualitative and quantitative tools and a novel approach to bringing both sets of findings together. Quantitative findings helped inform 'how much' a participant could deploy EC or creative thinking, while qualitative findings told us more about 'how' they deployed EC in their creativity. Through triangulating findings, we gained insights which would have remained obscure using either approach alone; namely, first, that wide variation in how children deploy EC in creativity means that the same creative results can be achieved with very different levels of EC involvement, and second, that high levels of EC can limit creativity. We argue that, beyond the specific findings of this study, there might be useful broader methodological lessons for educational neuroscience. We also attempt to demystify mixed methods by showing that a multi-pronged approach is more feasible than many assume; for example, by using existing, familiar tools in novel ways. In our work, we redeployed well-established quantitative tests used in creativity research as stimuli for qualitative investigation. For educational neuroscience to evolve its understanding of complex cognition, we suggest it might benefit from being innovative, open-minded and ambitious in how it exploits the diversity of methodological tools available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cathy J. Rogers
- Centre for Educational Neuroscience, Department of Psychological Sciences, Birkbeck University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew Tolmie
- Centre for Educational Neuroscience, Department of Psychology and Human Development, UCL Institute of Education, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jessica Massonnié
- School of Education, Languages and Linguistics, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, United Kingdom
| | - Michael S. C. Thomas
- Centre for Educational Neuroscience, Department of Psychological Sciences, Birkbeck University of London, London, United Kingdom
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Graft J, Romine W, Watts B, Schroeder N, Jawad T, Banerjee T. A Preliminary Study of the Efficacy of Using a Wrist-Worn Multiparameter Sensor for the Prediction of Cognitive Flow States in University-Level Students. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 23:3957. [PMID: 37112298 PMCID: PMC10141919 DOI: 10.3390/s23083957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Revised: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Engagement is enhanced by the ability to access the state of flow during a task, which is described as a full immersion experience. We report two studies on the efficacy of using physiological data collected from a wearable sensor for the automated prediction of flow. Study 1 took a two-level block design where activities were nested within its participants. A total of five participants were asked to complete 12 tasks that aligned with their interests while wearing the Empatica E4 sensor. This yielded 60 total tasks across the five participants. In a second study representing daily use of the device, a participant wore the device over the course of 10 unstructured activities over 2 weeks. The efficacy of the features derived from the first study were tested on these data. For the first study, a two-level fixed effects stepwise logistic regression procedure indicated that five features were significant predictors of flow. In total, two were related to skin temperature (median change with respect to the baseline and skewness of the temperature distribution) and three were related to acceleration (the acceleration skewness in the x and y directions and the kurtosis of acceleration in the y direction). Logistic regression and naïve Bayes models provided a strong classification performance (AUC > 0.7, between-participant cross-validation). For the second study, these same features yielded a satisfactory prediction of flow for the new participant wearing the device in an unstructured daily use setting (AUC > 0.7, leave-one-out cross-validation). The features related to acceleration and skin temperature appear to translate well for the tracking of flow in a daily use environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josephine Graft
- Department of Biological Sciences, Wright State University, Dayton, OH 45435, USA
| | - William Romine
- Department of Biological Sciences, Wright State University, Dayton, OH 45435, USA
| | - Brooklynn Watts
- Center of Life Sciences Education, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Noah Schroeder
- Department of Leadership Studies in Education and Organizations, Wright State University, Dayton, OH 45435, USA
| | - Tawsik Jawad
- Department of Computer Science, Wright State University, Dayton, OH 45435, USA
| | - Tanvi Banerjee
- Department of Computer Science, Wright State University, Dayton, OH 45435, USA
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14
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Gao B. Understanding smart education continuance intention in a delayed benefit context: An integration of sensory stimuli, UTAUT, and flow theory. Acta Psychol (Amst) 2023; 234:103856. [PMID: 36774771 DOI: 10.1016/j.actpsy.2023.103856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Revised: 01/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Smart education is a combination of AI and education, and its benefits are delayed. Existing research lacks an understanding of smart education continuance intention in the context of this delayed benefit. Thus, this study aimed to examine users' continuance intention in a delayed benefit context by integrating sensory stimulus, the extended UTAUT, and flow theory. The study focused on a mobile-based smart education (MBSE) system (Liulishuo) and collected data on 494 MBSE users. The PLS-SEM analysis suggested that the model is largely supported. Identifying MBSE's technical attributes as sensory stimuli, the extended UTAUT as primary information processing, flow as secondary information processing, and continuance intention as a decision, this study verifies the relationships between various constructs and their influence on MBSE continuance intention. The results also indicate that a user's flow state plays a crucial role in strengthening continuance intention and realizing the delayed benefits of smart education. Thus, this study provides a deeper understanding of continuous usage mechanisms as they relate to smart education.
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Affiliation(s)
- Biao Gao
- Jiangxi University of Finance and Economics, Nanchang 330013, China.
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15
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Bhattacharya P, Chatterjee S, Roy D. Impact of exercise on brain neurochemicals: a comprehensive review. SPORT SCIENCES FOR HEALTH 2023. [DOI: 10.1007/s11332-022-01030-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/21/2023]
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16
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Stephens R, Dowber H, Barrie A, Almeida S, Atkins K. Effect of swearing on strength: Disinhibition as a potential mediator. Q J Exp Psychol (Hove) 2023; 76:305-318. [PMID: 35135411 DOI: 10.1177/17470218221082657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Swearing fulfils positive functions, including benefitting pain relief and physical strength. Here we present two experiments assessing a possible psychological mechanism, increased state disinhibition, for the effect of swearing on physical strength. Two repeated measures experiments were carried out with sample sizes N = 56 and N = 118. Both included the measures of physical performance assessing, respectively, grip and arm strength, and both included the Balloon Analogue Risk Task (BART) to measure risky behaviour. Experiment 2, which was pre-registered, additionally assessed flow, emotion including humour, distraction including novelty, self-confidence, and anxiety. Experiments 1 and 2 found that repeating a swear word benefitted physical strength and increased risky behaviour, but risky behaviour did not mediate the strength effect. Experiment 2 found that repeating a swear word increased flow, positive emotion, humour, distraction, and self-confidence. Humour mediated the effect of swearing on physical strength. Consistent effects of swearing on physical strength indicate that this is a reliable effect. Swearing influenced several constructs related to state disinhibition, including increased self-confidence. Humour appeared to mediate the effect of swearing on physical strength, consistent with a hot cognitions explanation of swearing-induced state disinhibition. However, as this mediation effect was part of an exploratory analysis, further pre-registered experimental research, including validated measures of humour, is required.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Harry Dowber
- School of Psychology, Keele University, Staffs, UK
| | - Amber Barrie
- School of Psychology, Keele University, Staffs, UK
| | | | - Katie Atkins
- School of Psychology, Keele University, Staffs, UK
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17
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Lavoie R, Zheng Y. Smartphone use, flow and wellbeing: A case of Jekyll and Hyde. COMPUTERS IN HUMAN BEHAVIOR 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.chb.2022.107442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
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18
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Kotler S, Mannino M, Kelso S, Huskey R. First few seconds for flow: A comprehensive proposal of the neurobiology and neurodynamics of state onset. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2022; 143:104956. [PMID: 36368525 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2022.104956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2022] [Revised: 10/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Flow is a cognitive state that manifests when there is complete attentional absorption while performing a task. Flow occurs when certain internal as well as external conditions are present, including intense concentration, a sense of control, feedback, and a balance between the challenge of the task and the relevant skillset. Phenomenologically, flow is accompanied by a loss of self-consciousness, seamless integration of action and awareness, and acute changes in time perception. Research has begun to uncover some of the neurophysiological correlates of flow, as well as some of the state's neuromodulatory processes. We comprehensively review this work and consider the neurodynamics of the onset of the state, considering large-scale brain networks, as well as dopaminergic, noradrenergic, and endocannabinoid systems. To accomplish this, we outline an evidence-based hypothetical situation, and consider the flow state in a broader context including other profound alterations in consciousness, such as the psychedelic state and the state of traumatic stress that can induce PTSD. We present a broad theoretical framework which may motivate future testable hypotheses.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Scott Kelso
- Human Brain & Behavior Laboratory, Center for Complex Systems and Brain Sciences, Florida Atlantic University, United States; Intelligent Systems Research Centre, Ulster University, Derry∼Londonderry, North Ireland
| | - Richard Huskey
- Cognitive Communication Science Lab, Department of Communication, University of California Davis, United States; Cognitive Science Program, University of California Davis, United States; Center for Mind and Brain, University of California Davis, United States.
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19
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Jung RE, Hunter DR. A Call to More Imaginative Research into Creative Achievement. CREATIVITY RESEARCH JOURNAL 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/10400419.2022.2143094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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20
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Tan J, Kannis-Dymand L, Jones C. Examining the potential of VR program Tilt Brush in reducing anxiety. VIRTUAL REALITY 2022; 27:1-13. [PMID: 36405877 PMCID: PMC9647245 DOI: 10.1007/s10055-022-00711-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Recent advancement in technology has made virtual reality (VR) more accessible and immersive than ever before, resulting in its increasing utility in various industries. Despite this, VR has remained an underutilised tool within clinical psychology. This study aimed to explore the potential of using VR for therapeutic benefits through examining the level of flow and anxiety-reducing effects of freeform drawing in real life (on paper) versus drawing in VR (using Tilt Brush) via a randomised-controlled trial with 40 participants. State and trait anxiety was measured using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, level of flow was measured using the Long Flow State Scale, and level of presence was measured using the iGroup Presence Questionnaire. Overall level of flow was not significantly different between both groups, implying drawing in VR induces as much flow as drawing in real life. Level of flow was positively correlated to level of presence experienced in the VR group (p < .01). Although there was no significant interaction effect, both groups experienced an overall decrease in state anxiety, with the VR group experiencing a significant reduction of state anxiety from pre- to post-test (p < .01).
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Affiliation(s)
- Janice Tan
- School of Health and Behavioural Sciences, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore, QLD Australia
| | - Lee Kannis-Dymand
- School of Health and Behavioural Sciences, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore, QLD Australia
| | - Christian Jones
- School of Law and Society, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore, QLD Australia
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21
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The Flow-Clutch Scale: Translation and validation study of the Chinese version. Complement Ther Clin Pract 2022; 49:101670. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2022.101670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Revised: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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22
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Moscaleski LA, Fonseca A, Brito R, Morya E, Morgans R, Moreira A, Okano AH. Does high-definition transcranial direct current stimulation change brain electrical activity in professional female basketball players during free-throw shooting? FRONTIERS IN NEUROERGONOMICS 2022; 3:932542. [PMID: 38235466 PMCID: PMC10790899 DOI: 10.3389/fnrgo.2022.932542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
Differentiated brain activation in high-performance athletes supports neuronal mechanisms relevant to sports performance. Preparation for the motor action involves cortical and sub-cortical regions that can be non-invasively modulated by electrical current stimulation. This study aimed to investigate the effect of high-definition transcranial direct current stimulation (HD-tDCS) on electrical brain activity in professional female basketball players during free-throw shooting. Successful free-throw shooting (n = 2,361) from seven professional female basketball players was analyzed during two experimental conditions (HD-tDCS cathodic and sham) separated by 72 h. Three spectral bio-markers, Power Ratio Index (PRI), Delta Alpha Ratio (DAR), and Theta Beta Ratio (TBR) were measured (electroencephalography [EEG] Brain Products). Multi-channel HD-tDCS was applied for 20 min, considering current location and intensity for cathodic stimulation: FCC1h, AFF5h, AFF1h (-0.5 mA each), and FCC5h (ground). The within EEG analyses (pre and post HD-tDCS) of frontal channels (Fp1, Fp2, F3, F4, FC1, FC3) for 1 second epoch pre-shooting, showed increases in PRI (p < 0.001) and DAR (p < 0.001) for HD-tDCS cathodic condition, and in TBR for both conditions (cathodic, p = 0.01; sham, p = 0.002). Sub-group analysis divided the sample into less (n = 3; LSG) and more (n = 4; MSG) stable free-throw-shooting performers and revealed that increases in pre to post HD-tDCS in PRI only occurred for the LSG. These results suggest that the effect of HD-tDCS may induce changes in slow frontal frequency brain activities and that this alteration seems to be greater for players demonstrating a less stable free-throw shooting performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luciane Aparecida Moscaleski
- Center of Mathematics, Computation, and Cognition, Federal University of ABC (UFABC), São Bernardo do Campo, Brazil
| | - André Fonseca
- Center of Mathematics, Computation, and Cognition, Federal University of ABC (UFABC), São Bernardo do Campo, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo Brito
- Neuroscience Applied Laboratory, Federal University of Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil
| | - Edgard Morya
- Edmond and Lily Safra International Institute of Neuroscience, Santos Dumont Institute, Macaíba, RN, Brazil
| | - Ryland Morgans
- Department of Sports Medicine and Medical Rehabilitation, Sechenov First State Medical University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Alexandre Moreira
- Department of Sport, School of Physical Education and Sport, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Alexandre Hideki Okano
- Center of Mathematics, Computation, and Cognition, Federal University of ABC (UFABC), São Bernardo do Campo, Brazil
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23
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Alameda C, Sanabria D, Ciria LF. The brain in flow: A systematic review on the neural basis of the flow state. Cortex 2022; 154:348-364. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cortex.2022.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2021] [Revised: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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24
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Kober SE, Ninaus M, Witte M, Buchrieser F, Grössinger D, Fischmeister FPS, Neuper C, Wood G. Triathletes are experts in self-regulating physical activity - But what about self-regulating neural activity? Biol Psychol 2022; 173:108406. [PMID: 35952864 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsycho.2022.108406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Revised: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Regular exercise improves cognitive control abilities and successful self-regulation of physical activity. However, it is not clear whether exercising also improves the ability to self-regulate one's own brain activity. We investigated this in 26 triathletes and 25 control participants who did not exercise regularly. Within each group half of the participants performed one session of sensorimotor rhythm (SMR, 12-15 Hz) upregulation neurofeedback training, the other half received a sham neurofeedback training. The neurofeedback training session took about 45 min. In a separate session, participants underwent structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to investigate possible differences in brain structure between triathletes and controls. Triathletes and controls were able to voluntarily upregulate their SMR activity during neurofeedback when receiving real feedback. Triathletes showed a stronger increase in SMR activity in the second half of the training compared to controls, suggesting that triathletes are able to self-regulate their own brain activity over a longer period of time. Further, triathletes and controls showed differences in brain structure as reflected by larger gray and white matter volumes in the inferior frontal gyrus and insula compared to controls. These brain areas are generally involved in cognitive control mechanisms. Our results provide new evidence regarding self-regulation abilities of people who exercise regularly and might impact the practical application of neurofeedback.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Erika Kober
- Institute of Psychology, University of Graz, Graz, Austria; BioTechMed-Graz, Graz, Austria.
| | - Manuel Ninaus
- Institute of Psychology, University of Graz, Graz, Austria; LEAD Graduate School & Research Network, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.
| | - Matthias Witte
- Institute of Psychology, University of Graz, Graz, Austria; Adidas AG, Herzogenaurach, Germany.
| | | | | | - Florian Ph S Fischmeister
- Institute of Psychology, University of Graz, Graz, Austria; BioTechMed-Graz, Graz, Austria; Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image-guided Therapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Christa Neuper
- Institute of Psychology, University of Graz, Graz, Austria; BioTechMed-Graz, Graz, Austria; Laboratory of Brain-Computer Interfaces, Institute of Neural Engineering, Graz University of Technology, Graz, Austria.
| | - Guilherme Wood
- Institute of Psychology, University of Graz, Graz, Austria; BioTechMed-Graz, Graz, Austria.
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25
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Regretful pleasure: Toward an understanding of flow cost in media use. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0268194. [PMID: 35551340 PMCID: PMC9098084 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0268194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Flow (state of intense focus) during media use has been largely considered a desirable experience, with technologies developed to maximize the chance of encountering flow in computer-mediated environments. However, the total absorption of attention due to flow could be problematic in contexts where the user has multiple predetermined goals, and engaging with the flow-inducing media could cost them resources that may be otherwise devoted to other goals. When flow imposes a cost on the user’s goal performance, it may also reduce their post-experience gratification with the flow-inducing media. The present study proposes a novel theoretical framework to begin understanding the potential cost of flow in media use with supporting evidence from two survey and vignette studies (N = 235 and N = 245). Its findings will extend human-computer interaction research by highlighting the double-edged impact that flow might have on media users’ larger goal performance and downstream well-being.
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26
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Khoshnoud S, Alvarez Igarzábal F, Wittmann M. Brain–Heart Interaction and the Experience of Flow While Playing a Video Game. Front Hum Neurosci 2022; 16:819834. [PMID: 35572002 PMCID: PMC9096496 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2022.819834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The flow state – an experience of complete absorption in an activity – is linked with less self-referential processing and increased arousal. We used the heart-evoked potential (HEP), an index representing brain–heart interaction, as well as indices of peripheral physiology to assess the state of flow in individuals playing a video game. 22 gamers and 21 non-gamers played the video game Thumper for 25 min while their brain and cardiorespiratory signals were simultaneously recorded. The more participants were absorbed in the game, the less they thought about time and the faster time passed subjectively. On the cortical level, the fronto-central HEP amplitude was significantly lower while playing the game compared to resting states before and after the game, reflecting less self-referential processing while playing. This HEP effect corresponded with lower activity during gameplay in brain regions contributing to interoceptive processing. The HEP amplitude predicted the level of absorption in the game. While the HEP amplitude was overall lower during the gaming session than during the resting states, within the gaming session the amplitude of HEP was positively associated with absorption. Since higher absorption was related to higher performance in the game, the higher HEP in more absorbed individuals reflects more efficient brain–heart interaction, which is necessary for efficient game play. On the physiological level, a higher level of flow was associated with increased overall sympathetic activity and less inhibited parasympathetic activity toward the end of the game. These results are building blocks for future neurophysiological assessments of flow.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiva Khoshnoud
- Institute for Frontier Areas of Psychology and Mental Health, Freiburg, Germany
- Department of Neurosurgery and Neurotechnology, Institute for Neuromodulation and Neurotechnology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- *Correspondence: Shiva Khoshnoud,
| | | | - Marc Wittmann
- Institute for Frontier Areas of Psychology and Mental Health, Freiburg, Germany
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27
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Peifer C, Wolters G, Harmat L, Heutte J, Tan J, Freire T, Tavares D, Fonte C, Andersen FO, van den Hout J, Šimleša M, Pola L, Ceja L, Triberti S. A Scoping Review of Flow Research. Front Psychol 2022; 13:815665. [PMID: 35465560 PMCID: PMC9022035 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.815665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Flow is a gratifying state of deep involvement and absorption that individuals report when facing a challenging activity and they perceive adequate abilities to cope with it (EFRN, 2014). The flow concept was introduced by Csikszentmihalyi in 1975, and interest in flow research is growing. However, to our best knowledge, no scoping review exists that takes a systematic look at studies on flow which were published between the years 2000 and 2016. Overall, 252 studies have been included in this review. Our review (1) provides a framework to cluster flow research, (2) gives a systematic overview about existing studies and their findings, and (3) provides an overview about implications for future research. The provided framework consists of three levels of flow research. In the first “Individual” level are the categories for personality, motivation, physiology, emotion, cognition, and behavior. The second “Contextual” level contains the categories for contextual and interindividual factors and the third “Cultural” level contains cultural factors that relate to flow. Using our framework, we systematically present the findings for each category. While flow research has made progress in understanding flow, in the future, more experimental and longitudinal studies are needed to gain deeper insights into the causal structure of flow and its antecedents and consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corinna Peifer
- Department of Psychology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Gina Wolters
- Faculty of Psychology, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - László Harmat
- Department of Psychology, Linnaeus University, Växjö, Sweden
| | - Jean Heutte
- ULR 4354 - CIREL - Centre Interuniversitaire de Recherche en Education de Lille, Université de Lille, Lille, France
| | - Jasmine Tan
- Department of Psychology, Goldsmiths University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Teresa Freire
- School of Psychology, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
| | | | - Carla Fonte
- Faculty of Human and Social Sciences, University Fernando Pessoa, Porto, Portugal
| | | | - Jef van den Hout
- Industrial Engineering and Innovation Sciences, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, Netherlands
| | - Milija Šimleša
- Institute of Psychology Henri Pieron, Université Paris 5 René Descartes, Paris, France
| | - Linda Pola
- Department of Cultural Heritage and Environment, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Lucia Ceja
- IESE Business School, University of Navarra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Stefano Triberti
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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28
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Schubert E. A Special Class of Experience: Positive Affect Evoked by Music and the Arts. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19084735. [PMID: 35457603 PMCID: PMC9024998 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19084735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Revised: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
A positive experience in response to a piece of music or a work of art (hence ‘music/art’) has been linked to health and wellbeing outcomes but can often be reported as indescribable (ineffable), creating challenges for research. What do these positive experiences feel like, beyond ‘positive’? How are loved works that evoke profoundly negative emotions explained? To address these questions, two simultaneously occurring classes of experience are proposed: the ‘emotion class’ of experience (ECE) and the positive ‘affect class’ of experience (PACE). ECE consists of conventional, discrete, and communicable emotions with a reasonably well-established lexicon. PACE relates to a more private world of prototypical aesthetic emotions and experiences investigated in positive psychology. After a review of the literature, this paper proposes that PACE consists of physical correlates (tears, racing heart…) and varied amounts of ‘hedonic tone’ (HT), which range from shallow, personal leanings (preference, liking, attraction, etc.) to deep ones that include awe, being-moved, thrills, and wonder. PACE is a separate, simultaneously activated class of experience to ECE. The approach resolves long-standing debates about powerful, positive experiences taking place during negative emotion evocation by music/art. A list of possible terms for describing PACE is proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emery Schubert
- Empirical Musicology Laboratory, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
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29
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Hannum AJ, McIlvain G, Sowinski D, McGarry MD, Johnson CL. Correlated noise in brain magnetic resonance elastography. Magn Reson Med 2022; 87:1313-1328. [PMID: 34687069 PMCID: PMC8776601 DOI: 10.1002/mrm.29050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Revised: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) uses phase-contrast MRI to generate mechanical property maps of the in vivo brain through imaging of tissue deformation from induced mechanical vibration. The mechanical property estimation process in MRE can be susceptible to noise from physiological and mechanical sources encoded in the phase, which is expected to be highly correlated. This correlated noise has yet to be characterized in brain MRE, and its effects on mechanical property estimates computed using inversion algorithms are undetermined. METHODS To characterize the effects of signal noise in MRE, we conducted 3 experiments quantifying (1) physiomechanical sources of signal noise, (2) physiological noise because of cardiac-induced movement, and (3) impact of correlated noise on mechanical property estimates. We use a correlation length metric to estimate the extent that correlated signal persists in MRE images and demonstrate the effect of correlated noise on property estimates through simulations. RESULTS We found that both physiological noise and vibration noise were greater than image noise and were spatially correlated across all subjects. Added physiological and vibration noise to simulated data resulted in property maps with higher error than equivalent levels of Gaussian noise. CONCLUSION Our work provides the foundation to understand contributors to brain MRE data quality and provides recommendations for future work to correct for signal noise in MRE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariel J. Hannum
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE
| | - Grace McIlvain
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE
| | - Damian Sowinski
- Thayer School of Engineering, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH
| | | | - Curtis L. Johnson
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE
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Arshad F, Clark L. Immersion in Substance-Related and Behavioural Addictions: Neural Systems and Neurochemical Substrates. Curr Behav Neurosci Rep 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s40473-021-00242-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Aleksandrova L. Flow theory in foreign and Russian psychology: history, contemporary state of arts and perspectives of development. СОВРЕМЕННАЯ ЗАРУБЕЖНАЯ ПСИХОЛОГИЯ 2022. [DOI: 10.17759/jmfp.2022110314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
The article describes the theoretical premises and the logic of the emergence of the Flow concept and its development in almost half of the century. The article presents an overview of the current state of arts in Flow theory being developed by M. Csikszentmihalyi and his followers. Different models of Flow are described, main directions of Flow research are analyzed, an overview of research methods and techniques are highlighted, including qualitative (interviews) and quantitative methods (questionnaires, experience sampling method (ESM). The possibilities and directions of further development of the Flow ideas and research, including interdisciplinary ones, are discussed. The ideas and concepts of representatives of modern Russian psychology, most close to the ideas of M. Csikszentmihalyi and their contribution to flow understanding are listed.
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Yadav R, Yadav M, Mittal A. Effects of gain-loss-framed messages on virtual reality intervened fitness exercise. INFORMATION DISCOVERY AND DELIVERY 2021. [DOI: 10.1108/idd-04-2021-0051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Purpose
Technology for fitness provides users with numerous features that aid the achievement of intended fitness/health goals such as checking consumption habits and adherence to exercise. Based upon the concepts of self-efficacy and prospect theories, this study aims to inspect the influence of messages frame on behavioral usage of virtual reality (VR) technology intervened fitness exercise.
Design/methodology/approach
By usage of a laboratory-based experiment commissioning certain fitness exercises, this study is conducted on 150 respondents. An assessment is conducted on the efficiency of gain appeal mechanism (exercise performance feedback) toward the usage of VR intervened fitness exercise and measured surge in exercise self-efficacy (ESE), playfulness (PL) and outcome expectations.
Findings
The results show that gain-appealed/framed messages prove advantageous over loss-appealed/framed in performing VR intervened exercises. A bootstrapped (method) mediation analysis confirms higher positive effects of gain-framed messages upon intentions to use VR intervened fitness exercise. VR intervened fitness exercise was strongly and positively mediated by ESE, PL and outcome expectations.
Practical implications
This study is of help to researchers and marketers trying to understand the role played by gain- and loss-framed messages on VR technology enabled fitness exercises.
Originality/value
This study helps VR and fitness technology developers and marketers understand the effectiveness of persuasive performance messages toward VR fitness exercise technology adoption amalgamating message intervention with better technology usage.
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Abstract
AbstractThis research advances the conceptualization and measurement of flow. The results of six studies (N = 2809) reveal that flow has two dimensions: “fluency,” which is comprised of experiences related to fluent thought and action; and “absorption,” which is based on sustained full attention. The results also demonstrate that the two dimensions have nuanced relationships with other variables. Specifically, while the fluency dimension is related to antecedents of flow (familiarity, skill, progress), the absorption dimension is not. Conversely, the absorption dimension was found to be strongly related to consequences of flow (behavioral intentions, presence), while the fluency dimension was not. Furthermore, we demonstrate that fluency-related experiences can give rise to the absorption-related experiences, which advances our understanding of how flow emerges. Finally, we develop a refined measure of flow called the two-dimensional-flow scale, and demonstrate its enhanced ability to capture variance in flow and other related variables in leisure contexts.
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Conscious dance: Perceived benefits and psychological well-being of participants. Complement Ther Clin Pract 2021; 44:101440. [PMID: 34260998 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2021.101440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2020] [Revised: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 07/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Meta-analyses suggest that dance has potential to decrease psychological distress, increase trait mindfulness, and enhance quality of life. Conscious dance can be defined as unchoreographed, intentionally nonevaluative mindful movement commonly practiced in a group setting for purposes of authentic self-expression, self-discovery, interpersonal connectedness, and personal healing or growth. OBJECTIVE To assess perceived effects of conscious dance practice (e.g., Ecstatic Dance, 5Rhythms) and examine associations between frequency/duration of practice and psychological well-being among participants. METHODS Self-identifying adult conscious dancers completed a survey (N = 1003; mean age = 47 years; 52% from the U.S; 78% White; 73% female). RESULTS Conscious dancers with ≥5 years of practice had significantly higher trait mindfulness and life satisfaction compared to newer practitioners. More frequent practice (≥once per week) was associated with higher trait mindfulness. A strong majority of participants endorsed experiences consistent with mindfulness (i.e., feeling "more present in my body"; 99% of the sample) and psychological flow ("I felt like I was 'in the zone' or 'in the flow' of things"; 93% of the sample) during conscious dance. Among participants endorsing any of five stress-related health conditions, the majority reported therapeutic effects (i.e., that conscious dance "helped them cope" with the condition). Therapeutic effects were most consistently reported by individuals with depression or anxiety (96% endorsement), followed by those with a trauma history (95%), chronic pain (89%), and history of substance abuse or addiction (88%). For all conditions except addiction, therapeutic effects were associated with greater experiences of psychological flow during dance, and the magnitude of these effects was large (Cohen's d range: 1.0-2.3). CONCLUSION Individuals who engage in conscious dance report that these practices help them to cope with stress-related health conditions. Participants reporting longer duration or greater frequency of practice scored higher on measures of psychological well-being. The feasibility and efficacy of conscious dance for improving well-being among individuals naïve to these approaches will be important to determine in future research.
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Budnik-Przybylska D, Kastrau A, Jasik P, Kaźmierczak M, Doliński Ł, Syty P, Łabuda M, Przybylski J, di Fronso S, Bertollo M. Neural Oscillation During Mental Imagery in Sport: An Olympic Sailor Case Study. Front Hum Neurosci 2021; 15:669422. [PMID: 34140884 PMCID: PMC8205149 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2021.669422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The purpose of the current study was to examine the cortical correlates of imagery depending on instructional modality (guided vs. self-produced) using various sports-related scripts. According to the expert-performance approach, we took an idiosyncratic perspective analyzing the mental imagery of an experienced two-time Olympic athlete to verify whether different instructional modalities of imagery (i.e., guided vs. self-produced) and different scripts (e.g., training or competition environment) could differently involve brain activity. The subject listened to each previously recorded script taken from two existing questionnaires concerning imagery ability in sport and then was asked to imagine the scene for a minute. During the task, brain waves were monitored using EEG (32-channel g. Nautilus). Our findings indicate that guided imagery might induce higher high alpha and SMR (usually associated with selective attention), whereas self-produced imagery might facilitate higher low alpha (associated with global resting state and relaxation). Results are discussed in light of the neural efficiency hypothesis as a marker of optimal performance and transient hypofrontality as a marker of flow state. Practical mental training recommendations are presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dagmara Budnik-Przybylska
- Department of Sport Psychology, Institute of Psychology, Faculty of Social Science, University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Adrian Kastrau
- Department of Theoretical Physics and Quantum Information, Institute of Physics and Computer Science, Faculty of Applied Physics and Mathematics, Gdańsk University of Technology, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Patryk Jasik
- Department of Theoretical Physics and Quantum Information, Institute of Physics and Computer Science, Faculty of Applied Physics and Mathematics, Gdańsk University of Technology, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Maria Kaźmierczak
- Department of Family Studies and Quality of Life, Institute of Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Łukasz Doliński
- Department of Mechatronics and High Voltage Engineering, Faculty of Electrical and Control Engineering, Gdańsk University of Technology, Gdańsk, Poland.,BioTechMed Center, Gdańsk University of Technology, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Paweł Syty
- Department of Theoretical Physics and Quantum Information, Institute of Physics and Computer Science, Faculty of Applied Physics and Mathematics, Gdańsk University of Technology, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Marta Łabuda
- Department of Theoretical Physics and Quantum Information, Institute of Physics and Computer Science, Faculty of Applied Physics and Mathematics, Gdańsk University of Technology, Gdańsk, Poland.,BioTechMed Center, Gdańsk University of Technology, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Jacek Przybylski
- Department of Sport Psychology, Institute of Psychology, Faculty of Social Science, University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Selenia di Fronso
- Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, Behavioral Imaging and Neural Dynamics (BIND) Center, University "G. d'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Maurizio Bertollo
- Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, Behavioral Imaging and Neural Dynamics (BIND) Center, University "G. d'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
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van der Linden D, Tops M, Bakker AB. The Neuroscience of the Flow State: Involvement of the Locus Coeruleus Norepinephrine System. Front Psychol 2021; 12:645498. [PMID: 33935902 PMCID: PMC8079660 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.645498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Flow is a state of full task engagement that is accompanied with low-levels of self-referential thinking. Flow is considered highly relevant for human performance and well-being and has, therefore, been studied extensively. Yet, the neurocognitive processes of flow remain largely unclear. In the present mini-review we focus on how the brain's locus coeruleus-norepinephrine (LC-NE) system may be involved in a range of behavioral and subjective manifestations of flow. The LC-NE system regulates decisions regarding task engagement vs. disengagement. This is done via different modes of baseline and stimulus-evoked norepinephrine release. We emphasize the theoretical and empirical overlap between the LC-NE system and flow. For both, a match between a person's skill and task challenge is important in order to induce high levels task-related attention. Moreover, psychophysiological indicators of LC-NE system activity, such as eye pupil diameter and arousal are also sensitive to flow states. Flow is related to arousal in an inverted U-shape. Similarly, in theories on the LC-NE system, task engagement is highest with intermediate levels of arousal. We argue that knowledge about the role of the LC-NE system in establishing the flow experience may help to gain fundamental knowledge of flow and can contribute to unifying various empirical findings on this topic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitri van der Linden
- Department of Psychology, Education, and Child Studies, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Mattie Tops
- Developmental and Educational Psychology Unit, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Arnold B. Bakker
- Department of Psychology, Education, and Child Studies, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
- Department of Industrial Psychology and People Management, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa
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Gold J, Ciorciari J. A neurocognitive model of flow states and the role of cerebellar internal models. Behav Brain Res 2021; 407:113244. [PMID: 33744335 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2021.113244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2020] [Revised: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
This paper conceptualizes a comprehensive body of neurocognitive knowledge of flow states based on two primary competing neurocognitive theories underpinning flow's purported functioning, the transient hypofrontality hypothesis and the network synchronization model. With these models in mind, a new neurocognitive model of flow is synthesized based on the similarities of these pre-existing theories and utilizing the internal models of the cerebellum to elucidate the differences and crossover in the current flow research. Ultimately, this paper works to provide a platform for researchers to use as a future reference and for hypothesis generation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua Gold
- Centre for Mental Health, Swinburne Neuroimaging (SNI), Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, VIC, Australia.
| | - Joseph Ciorciari
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, VIC, Australia
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Alexander R, Aragón OR, Bookwala J, Cherbuin N, Gatt JM, Kahrilas IJ, Kästner N, Lawrence A, Lowe L, Morrison RG, Mueller SC, Nusslock R, Papadelis C, Polnaszek KL, Helene Richter S, Silton RL, Styliadis C. The neuroscience of positive emotions and affect: Implications for cultivating happiness and wellbeing. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2021; 121:220-249. [PMID: 33307046 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2020.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2019] [Revised: 11/10/2020] [Accepted: 12/06/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
This review paper provides an integrative account regarding neurophysiological correlates of positive emotions and affect that cumulatively contribute to the scaffolding for happiness and wellbeing in humans and other animals. This paper reviews the associations among neurotransmitters, hormones, brain networks, and cognitive functions in the context of positive emotions and affect. Consideration of lifespan developmental perspectives are incorporated, and we also examine the impact of healthy social relationships and environmental contexts on the modulation of positive emotions and affect. The neurophysiological processes that implement positive emotions are dynamic and modifiable, and meditative practices as well as flow states that change patterns of brain function and ultimately support wellbeing are also discussed. This review is part of "The Human Affectome Project" (http://neuroqualia.org/background.php), and in order to advance a primary aim of the Human Affectome Project, we also reviewed relevant linguistic dimensions and terminology that characterizes positive emotions and wellbeing. These linguistic dimensions are discussed within the context of the neuroscience literature with the overarching goal of generating novel recommendations for advancing neuroscience research on positive emotions and wellbeing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Alexander
- Neuroscience Research Australia, Randwick, Sydney, NSW, 2031, Australia; Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, 2601, Australia
| | - Oriana R Aragón
- Yale University, 2 Hillhouse Ave, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA; Clemson University, 252 Sirrine Hall, Clemson, SC, 29634, USA
| | - Jamila Bookwala
- Department of Psychology and Program in Aging Studies, Lafayette College, 730 High Road, Easton, PA, USA
| | - Nicolas Cherbuin
- Centre for Research on Ageing, Health, and Wellbeing, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, 2601, Australia
| | - Justine M Gatt
- Neuroscience Research Australia, Randwick, Sydney, NSW, 2031, Australia; School of Psychology, University of New South Wales, Randwick, Sydney, NSW, 2031, Australia
| | - Ian J Kahrilas
- Department of Psychology, Loyola University Chicago, 1032 W. Sheridan Road, Chicago, IL, 60660, USA
| | - Niklas Kästner
- Department of Behavioural Biology, University of Münster, Badestraße 13, 48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Alistair Lawrence
- Scotland's Rural College, King's Buildings, Edinburgh, EH9 3JG, United Kingdom; The Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, EH25 9RG, United Kingdom
| | - Leroy Lowe
- Neuroqualia (NGO), Truro, NS, B2N 1X5, Canada
| | - Robert G Morrison
- Department of Psychology, Loyola University Chicago, 1032 W. Sheridan Road, Chicago, IL, 60660, USA
| | - Sven C Mueller
- Department of Experimental Clinical and Health Psychology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium; Department of Personality, Psychological Assessment and Treatment, University of Deusto, Bilbao, Spain
| | - Robin Nusslock
- Department of Psychology and Institute for Policy Research, Northwestern University, 2029 Sheridan Road, Evanston, IL, 60208, USA
| | - Christos Papadelis
- Jane and John Justin Neurosciences Center, Cook Children's Health Care System, 1500 Cooper St, Fort Worth, TX, 76104, USA; Laboratory of Children's Brain Dynamics, Division of Newborn Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kelly L Polnaszek
- Department of Psychology, Loyola University Chicago, 1032 W. Sheridan Road, Chicago, IL, 60660, USA
| | - S Helene Richter
- Department of Behavioural Biology, University of Münster, Badestraße 13, 48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Rebecca L Silton
- Department of Psychology, Loyola University Chicago, 1032 W. Sheridan Road, Chicago, IL, 60660, USA; Institute for Innovations in Developmental Sciences, Northwestern University, 633 N. Saint Clair, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA.
| | - Charis Styliadis
- Neuroscience of Cognition and Affection group, Lab of Medical Physics, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, 54124, Greece
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van der Linden D, Tops M, Bakker AB. Go with the flow: A neuroscientific view on being fully engaged. Eur J Neurosci 2021; 53:947-963. [PMID: 33084102 PMCID: PMC7983950 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.15014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2020] [Revised: 10/12/2020] [Accepted: 10/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Flow is a state of full task absorption, accompanied with a strong drive and low levels of self-referential thinking. Flow is likely when there is a match between a person's skills and the task challenge. Despite its relevance for human performance and the vast body of research on flow, there is currently still relatively little insight in its underlying neurocognitive mechanisms. In this paper, we discuss a set of large brain networks that may be involved in establishing the core dimensions of flow. We propose that dopaminergic and noradrenergic systems mediate the intrinsic motivation and activate mood states that are typical for flow. The interaction between three large-scale attentional networks, namely the Default Mode Network, Central Executive Network and the Salience Network is proposed to play a role in the strong task engagement, low self-referential thinking, feedback and feelings of control in flow. The proposed relationships between flow and the brain networks may support the generation of new hypotheses and can guide future research in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitri van der Linden
- Department of Psychology, Education, and Child StudiesErasmus University RotterdamRotterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Mattie Tops
- Developmental and Educational Psychology UnitLeiden UniversityLeidenThe Netherlands
| | - Arnold B. Bakker
- Department of Psychology, Education, and Child StudiesErasmus University RotterdamRotterdamThe Netherlands
- University of JohannesburgSouth Africa
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Ashinoff BK, Abu-Akel A. Hyperfocus: the forgotten frontier of attention. PSYCHOLOGICAL RESEARCH 2021; 85:1-19. [PMID: 31541305 PMCID: PMC7851038 DOI: 10.1007/s00426-019-01245-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2019] [Accepted: 09/09/2019] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
'Hyperfocus' is a phenomenon that reflects one's complete absorption in a task, to a point where a person appears to completely ignore or 'tune out' everything else. Hyperfocus is most often mentioned in the context of autism, schizophrenia, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, but research into its effect on cognitive and neural functioning is limited. We propose that hyperfocus is a critically important aspect of cognition, particularly with regard to clinical populations, and that it warrants significant investigation. Hyperfocus, though ostensibly self-explanatory, is poorly defined within the literature. In many cases, hyperfocus goes undefined, relying on the assumption that the reader inherently knows what it entails. Thus, there is no single consensus to what constitutes hyperfocus. Moreover, some studies do not refer to hyperfocus by name, but describe processes that may be related. In this paper, we review how hyperfocus (as well as possibly related phenomena) has been defined and measured, the challenges associated with hyperfocus research, and assess how hyperfocus affects both neurotypical and clinical populations. Using this foundation, we provide constructive criticism about previously used methods and analyses. We also propose an operational definition of hyperfocus for researchers to use moving forward.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brandon K Ashinoff
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, 1051 Riverside Dr, New York, NY, 10032, USA.
- Centre for Human Brain Health (CHBH), School of Psychology, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK.
| | - Ahmad Abu-Akel
- Institute of Psychology, University of Lausanne, Quartier UNIL-Mouline, Geopolis, Lausanne, 1015, Switzerland
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Wu D, Xu J(D, Abdinnour S. Tablets for problem-solving through a flow theory: the impact of navigation and visual appearance on perceived performance and efficiency. INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY & PEOPLE 2021. [DOI: 10.1108/itp-07-2019-0323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
PurposeThe paper aims to investigate how a tablet's design features, namely, its navigation design and visual appearance, influence users' enjoyment, concentration and control, when using tablets for problem-solving, and thereafter how their core flow experiences impact their perceived performance and efficiency with problem-solving.Design/methodology/approachThis study uses a field survey approach to engage 87 participants in a decision sciences class to use eTextbooks and a few other associated educational apps including CourseSmart app for e-notes and highlighting, sketchbook app and a calculator app in tablets to resolve class problems at a large US university.FindingsThis study finds that the tablet's interface design features (navigation and visual appearance) make users engrossed in their problem-solving processes with perceived enjoyment, concentration and control. This, in turn, impacts their perceived performance and efficiency. Moreover, visual appearance plays the most significant role in arousing users' affective emotions (i.e. enjoyment), while interface navigation is crucial to engage users' deep concentration (i.e. cognition) and control for problem-solving.Practical implicationsModern tablets are being used widely in various sectors. More in-depth user flow experience design associated with tablet use for problem-solving contexts should be further advocated in order to provide more engaging and meaningful flow experiences to users.Originality/valueThis study shows that the design of the tablet interface can engage users in problem-solving processes in both affective and cognitive ways. It provides valuable insights on tablet interface design for problem-solving.
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Isung J, Granqvist M, Trepci A, Huang J, Schwieler L, Kierkegaard M, Erhardt S, Jokinen J, Piehl F. Differential effects on blood and cerebrospinal fluid immune protein markers and kynurenine pathway metabolites from aerobic physical exercise in healthy subjects. Sci Rep 2021; 11:1669. [PMID: 33462306 PMCID: PMC7814004 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-81306-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Mounting evidence shows that physical exercise modulates systemic inflammation. However, its effect on cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) immune-marker profiles in man are largely unknown. We here report a study on healthy subjects (n = 27, males = 12, mean age 28.7, range 22-52) allocated to either an acute exercise setting over four consecutive days, or a training intervention over 4 weeks. Paired plasma and CSF samples collected at baseline, after 7 days of exercise abstention, and the day after completion of the exercise interventions, were analyzed for protein inflammation markers using a multiplex proximity extension assay and neurotransmitters and kynurenine pathway (KP) metabolites using liquid chromatography, respectively. Routine cell counts, and albumin, immunoglobulin G and neurofilament light chain concentrations in CSF remained unchanged in both paradigms, while several inflammatory proteins became upregulated after acute exercise. However, only changes in three CSF (vascular endothelial growth factor-A, interleukin-7 and matrix metalloproteinase-10) and 12 plasma proteins reached significance levels after adjustment for multiple comparisons and exclusion of less stable proteins. Similarly, KP metabolites only changed among participants after acute exercise, while neurotransmitter levels, except for increased CSF serine, remained stable. Both in plasma and CSF changes in KP metabolites and inflammatory proteins correlated, suggesting that these processes are functionally linked. These findings suggest that acute aerobic physical exercise affects immune markers and KP metabolites systemically and in the CSF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josef Isung
- Centre for Psychiatry Research, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, and Stockholm Health Care Services, Region Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Mathias Granqvist
- Division of Physiotherapy, Division of Neurology, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, and Academic Specialist Center, Stockholm Health Care Services, Region Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ada Trepci
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jesse Huang
- Division of Physiotherapy, Division of Neurology, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, and Academic Specialist Center, Stockholm Health Care Services, Region Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Lilly Schwieler
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Marie Kierkegaard
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet and Academic Specialist Center, Stockholm Health Care Services, Region Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Sophie Erhardt
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jussi Jokinen
- Centre for Psychiatry Research, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, and Stockholm Health Care Services, Region Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Fredrik Piehl
- Division of Physiotherapy, Division of Neurology, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, and Academic Specialist Center, Stockholm Health Care Services, Region Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
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Khoshnoud S, Alvarez Igarzábal F, Wittmann M. Peripheral-physiological and neural correlates of the flow experience while playing video games: a comprehensive review. PeerJ 2020; 8:e10520. [PMID: 33384898 PMCID: PMC7751419 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.10520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The flow state is defined by intense involvement in an activity with high degrees of concentration and focused attention accompanied by a sense of pleasure. Video games are effective tools for inducing flow, and keeping players in this state is considered to be one of the central goals of game design. Many studies have focused on the underlying physiological and neural mechanisms of flow. Results are inconsistent when describing a unified mechanism underlying this mental state. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the physiological and neural correlates of flow and explains the relationship between the reported physiological and neural markers of the flow experience. Despite the heterogeneous results, it seems possible to establish associations between reported markers and the cognitive and experiential aspects of flow, particularly regarding arousal, attention control, reward processing, automaticity, and self-referential processing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiva Khoshnoud
- Institute for Frontier Areas of Psychology and Mental Health, Freiburg, Germany
| | | | - Marc Wittmann
- Institute for Frontier Areas of Psychology and Mental Health, Freiburg, Germany
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“I like it” and “I need it”: Relationship between implicit associations, flow, and addictive social media use. COMPUTERS IN HUMAN BEHAVIOR 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.chb.2020.106509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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Balanced difficulty task finder: an adaptive recommendation method for learning tasks based on the concept of state of flow. Cogn Neurodyn 2020; 14:675-687. [PMID: 33014180 PMCID: PMC7501397 DOI: 10.1007/s11571-020-09624-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2019] [Revised: 05/24/2020] [Accepted: 06/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
An adaptive task difficulty assignment method which we reckon as balanced difficulty task finder (BDTF) is proposed in this paper. The aim is to recommend tasks to a learner using a trade-off between skills of the learner and difficulty of the tasks such that the learner experiences a state of flow during the learning. Flow is a mental state that psychologists refer to when someone is completely immersed in an activity. Flow state is a multidisciplinary field of research and has been studied not only in psychology, but also neuroscience, education, sport, and games. The idea behind this paper is to try to achieve a flow state in a similar way as Elo’s chess skill rating (Glickman in Am Chess J 3:59–102) and TrueSkill (Herbrich et al. in Advances in neural information processing systems, 2006) for matching game players, where “matched players” should possess similar capabilities and skills in order to maintain the level of motivation and involvement in the game. The BDTF draws analogy between choosing an appropriate opponent or appropriate game level and automatically choosing an appropriate difficulty level of a learning task. This method, as an intelligent tutoring system, could be used in a wide range of applications from online learning environments and e-learning, to learning and remembering techniques in traditional methods such as adjusting delayed matching to sample and spaced retrieval training that can be used for people with memory problems such as people with dementia.
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Gold J, Ciorciari J. A Review on the Role of the Neuroscience of Flow States in the Modern World. Behav Sci (Basel) 2020; 10:E137. [PMID: 32916878 PMCID: PMC7551835 DOI: 10.3390/bs10090137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2020] [Revised: 08/31/2020] [Accepted: 09/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Flow states have been shown to help people reach peak performance, yet this elusive state is not easily attained. The review describes the current state of literature on flow by addressing the environmental influences as well as the cognitive and neurocognitive elements that underlie the experience. In particular, the research focusses on the transition of cognitive control from an explicit to an implicit process. This is further expanded upon to look at the current, yet related neurocognitive research of high performance associated with the implicit process of automaticity. Finally, the review focusses on transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) as a novel method to facilitates an induction of flow states. Implications are aimed at a general technique to improve on skill acquisition and overall performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua Gold
- Centre for Mental Health, Swinburne Neuroimaging (SNI), Swinburne University of Technology, P.O. Box 218, Hawthorn, Melbourne, VIC 3122, Australia;
| | - Joseph Ciorciari
- Centre for Mental Health, Swinburne Neuroimaging (SNI), Swinburne University of Technology, P.O. Box 218, Hawthorn, Melbourne, VIC 3122, Australia;
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology, P.O. Box 218, Hawthorn, Melbourne, VIC 3122, Australia
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Teotia SS, Dickey RM, Liu Y, Jayaraman AP, Haddock NT. Intraoperative Microvascular Complications in Autologous Breast Reconstruction: The Effects of Resident Training on Microsurgical Outcomes. J Reconstr Microsurg 2020; 37:309-314. [PMID: 32892333 DOI: 10.1055/s-0040-1716404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Academic medical centers with large volumes of autologous breast reconstruction afford residents hand-on educational experience in microsurgical techniques. We present our experience with autologous reconstruction (deep inferior epigastric perforators, profunda artery perforator, lumbar artery perforator, bipedicled, and stacked) where a supervised trainee completed the microvascular anastomosis. METHODS Retrospective chart review was performed on 413 flaps (190 patients) with microvascular anastomoses performed by postgraduate year (PGY)-4, PGY-5, PGY-6, PGY-7 (microsurgery fellow), or attending physician (AP). Comorbidities, intra-operative complications, revisions, operative time, ischemia time, return to operating room (OR), and flap losses were compared between training levels. RESULTS Age and all comorbidities were equivalent between groups. Total operative time was highest for the AP group. Flap ischemia time, return to OR, and intraoperative complication were equivalent between groups. Percentage of flaps requiring at least one revision of the original anastomosis was significantly higher in PGY-4 and AP than in microsurgical fellows: PGY-4 (16%), PGY-5 (12%), PGY-6 (7%), PGY-7 (2.1%), and AP (16%), p = 0.041. Rates of flap loss were equivalent between groups, with overall flap loss between all groups 2/413 (<1%). CONCLUSION With regard to flap loss and microsurgical vessel compromise, lower PGYs did not significantly worsen surgical outcomes for patients. AP had the longest total operative time, likely due to flap selection bias. PGY-4 and AP groups had higher rates of revision of original anastomosis compared with PGY-7, though ultimately these differences did not impact overall operative time, complication rate, or flap losses. Hands-on supervised microsurgical education appears to be both safe for patients, and also an effective way of building technical proficiency in plastic surgery residents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sumeet S Teotia
- Department of Plastic Surgery, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Ryan M Dickey
- Department of Plastic Surgery, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Yulun Liu
- Department of Population and Data Sciences, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Avinash P Jayaraman
- Department of Plastic Surgery, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Nicholas T Haddock
- Department of Plastic Surgery, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
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Leroy A, Cheron G. EEG dynamics and neural generators of psychological flow during one tightrope performance. Sci Rep 2020; 10:12449. [PMID: 32709919 PMCID: PMC7381607 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-69448-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2020] [Accepted: 06/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Psychological “flow” emerges from a goal requiring action, and a match between skills and challenge. Using high-density electroencephalographic (EEG) recording, we quantified the neural generators characterizing psychological “flow” compared to a mindful “stress” state during a professional tightrope performance. Applying swLORETA based on self-reported mental states revealed the right superior temporal gyrus (BA38), right globus pallidus, and putamen as generators of delta, alpha, and beta oscillations, respectively, when comparing “flow” versus “stress”. Comparison of “stress” versus “flow” identified the middle temporal gyrus (BA39) as the delta generator, and the medial frontal gyrus (BA10) as the alpha and beta generator. These results support that “flow” emergence required transient hypo-frontality. Applying swLORETA on the motor command represented by the tibialis anterior EMG burst identified the ipsilateral cerebellum and contralateral sensorimotor cortex in association with on-line control exerted during both “flow” and “stress”, while the basal ganglia was identified only during “flow”.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Leroy
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology and Movement Biomechanics, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium.,Haute Ecole Provinciale du Hainaut-Condorcet, Mons, Belgium
| | - G Cheron
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology and Movement Biomechanics, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium. .,Laboratory of Electrophysiology, Université de Mons, Mons, Belgium.
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Autenrieth M, Kober SE, Neuper C, Wood G. How Much Do Strategy Reports Tell About the Outcomes of Neurofeedback Training? A Study on the Voluntary Up-Regulation of the Sensorimotor Rhythm. Front Hum Neurosci 2020; 14:218. [PMID: 32587509 PMCID: PMC7299073 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2020.00218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2020] [Accepted: 05/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The core learning mechanisms of neurofeedback (NF) training are associative, implicit, and, consequently, largely impervious to consciousness. Many other aspects of training that determine training outcomes, however, are accessible to conscious processing. The outcomes of sensorimotor rhythm (SMR) up-regulation training are related to the strategies reported by participants. The classification methods of individual strategies employed hitherto were possibly under influence of the idiosyncratic interpretation of the rater. To measure and possibly overcome this limitation, we employed independent raters to analyze strategies reported during SMR up-regulation training. Sixty-two healthy young participants took part in a single session of SMR up-regulation training. After completing six blocks of training, in which they received either simple visual feedback or a gamified version thereof, participants were required to report the strategies employed. Their individual learning outcomes were computed as well. Results point out that individual strategies as well as NF learning outcomes were not particularly sensitive to the presence of gamified elements in training the SMR up-regulation. A high degree of consistency across independent raters classifying strategy reports was observed. Some strategies were more typical of responders while other ones were more common among non-responders. In summary, we demonstrate a more objective and transparent way to analyze individual mental strategies to shed more light on the differences between NF responders and non-responders.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Silvia E Kober
- Institute of Psychology, University of Graz, Graz, Austria.,BioTechMed-Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Christa Neuper
- Institute of Psychology, University of Graz, Graz, Austria.,BioTechMed-Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Guilherme Wood
- Institute of Psychology, University of Graz, Graz, Austria.,BioTechMed-Graz, Graz, Austria
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Abuhamdeh S. Investigating the "Flow" Experience: Key Conceptual and Operational Issues. Front Psychol 2020; 11:158. [PMID: 32116954 PMCID: PMC7033418 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2020.00158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2019] [Accepted: 01/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The “flow” experience (Csikszentmihalyi, 1975) has been the focus of a large body of empirical work spanning more than four decades. Nevertheless, advancement in understanding – beyond what Csikszentmihalyi uncovered during his initial breakthrough in 1975 – has been modest. In this conceptual analysis, it is argued that progress within the field has been impeded by a lack of consistency in how flow is operationalized, and that this inconsistency in part reflects an underlying confusion regarding what flow is. Flow operationalizations from papers published within the past 5 years are reviewed. Across the 42 reviewed studies, flow was operationalized in 24 distinct ways. Three specific points of inconsistency are then highlighted: (1) inconsistences in operationalizing flow as a continuous versus discrete construct, (2) inconsistencies in operationalizing flow as inherently enjoyable (i.e., “autotelic”) or not, and (3) inconsistencies in operationalizing flow as dependent on versus distinct from the task characteristics proposed to elicit it (i.e., the conditions/antecedents). After tracing the origins of these discrepancies, the author argues that, in the interest of conceptual intelligibility, flow should be conceptualized and operationalized exclusively as a discrete, highly enjoyable, “optimal” state of consciousness, and that this state should be clearly distinguished from the conditions proposed to elicit it. He suggests that more mundane instances of goal-directed engagement are better conceived and operationalized as variations in task involvement rather than variations in flow. Additional ways to achieve greater conceptual and operational consistency within the field are suggested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sami Abuhamdeh
- Department of Psychology, Istanbul Şehir University, Istanbul, Turkey
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