Since Csikszentmihalyi first conceptualised flow state in 1975, extensive studies filled the scientific literature on the topic. However, inconsistencies in how flow has been conceptualised and operationalised make it difficult to present a unified account. Deviations include whether to operationalise flow as discrete or continuous and whether to measure flow through characteristics and conditions which elicit it or as a distinct concept independent from these antecedents. Different neurocognitive theories have been proposed, such as hypofrontal de-activation, attention-reward synchronisation and sequential cognitive reorganisation. Empirical studies suggest that states of flow involve increased activity in motivational systems related with reward and increased activity in task engagement and attentional networks, alongside reduced activity in self-monitoring networks. However, conceptualisation issues prevent from unambiguously linking empirical findings with different theories.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
customersupport@researchsolutions.com
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Copyright © 2025 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.