Peak experience (intense joy), peak performance (superior functioning), and flow (intrinsically rewarding experience) are described and compared in detail. Peak experience and peak performance are models of optimal human experiencing and, therefore, are important in personality study. Flow, although not always at a high level, shares many qualities with both constructs. Important attributes shared by all three include absorption, valuing, joy, spontaneity, a sense of power, and personal identity and involvement. The topologies also reveal distinguishing characteristics. Peak experience, for example, is mystic and transpersonal; peak performance is transactive, clearly focusing on self as well as the valued object; and flow is fun. Differences among the constructs concerning sense of self and motivation are also noted. Several implications for future research and application are suggested.

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The Experience Questionnaire, a research instrument measuring experiential data, was derived from literature on peak performance and peak experience, with constructs extended to comprise negative extremes of performance and feeling. The efficacy of the Experience Questionnaire is tested by addressing accessibility and salience of experiential data and independence of construct events. Data on construct events (peak performance, peak experience, flow, average events, misery, and failure) were gathered from 123 adults. Since over-all event effects were significant on repeated-measures multivariate analysis of variance, discriminant analysis and analysis of variance with repeated measures were used. Construct independence and salience of experiential data are supported by correct classification of 97.7% of construct events and differences among construct events on factor and item scores that provide clear, differential descriptions. Peak performance is characterized by full focus and self in clear process. The role of other people is unimportant. Peak experience is noted for fulfillment, significance, spirituality, and the importance of other people. Play, other people, and outer structure, but not spirituality, are endorsed in flow. Average events have outer structure, but full focus is a negative correlate. Misery is characterized by spirituality and significance, but other people, playfulness, and self in clear process are denied. Failure is characterized by spirituality but lacks fulfillment.

Are there common elements in experiences of high level performance in different activities? This exploratory study initiates a research basis for understanding superior use of human potential. Peak performance, defined operationally as behavior that exceeds one's predictable level of functioning, represents superior use of potential in any human endeavor. Examined were episodes of peak performance reported by adult subjects in four groups: psychology, creative arts, adult education, and graduate counseling. Factor analyses and ANOVA of factor scores were used to compare reported experiences of superior funcioning with those of average behavior. Results indicated that peak performance is an independent entity with distinguishing phenomenological dimensions. These dimensions of peak performance include : ( a) absorption and clarity which comprise clear focus upon both object and self, ( b) sponteneity and unrestrained behavior, and (c) expression of self.