Unlocking Flow Through Mindfulness: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.
Yvain Longaretti, Guy Cheron, David Zarka
The Journal of Psychology 2026 DOI: 10.1080/00223980.2025.2575309 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Systematic review and meta-analysis Randomized Qualitative Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 293 |
| Population | Healthy participants |
| Intervention | mindfulness-based interventions |
| Duration | Median intervention duration 7 weeks |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Attention regulation Athletes Executive function Positive psychology Well-being |
| Key findings | Mindfulness-based interventions produce a positive effect on flow state and trait in healthy participants. |
Abstract
Flow, a state of deep absorption in an activity, is linked to enhanced performance and well-being. Mindfulness, emphasizing present-moment awareness and acceptance, may promote flow. This systematic review and meta-analysis examined the impact of mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) on flow state and trait in randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Following PRISMA guidelines, PubMed, Scopus, ProQuest, and Google Scholar were searched (2022, updated January 2024). Inclusion criteria followed PICOS standards: healthy participants following a MBI or control intervention, using validated flow assessments. Exclusion criteria were non-peer-reviewed, qualitative studies, non-RCT designs, and clinical populations. Risk of bias was assessed with Cochrane's RoB2 tool. Eight RCTs (293 participants, 52% female, median intervention duration 7 weeks) met inclusion criteria. The random-effects meta-analysis showed a positive effect of MBIs on flow outcomes (SMD = 0.777, 95% CI [0.505, 1.049], p < 0.0001), with low heterogeneity (I2 = 22.59%, PI = [0.3230, 1.2314]). Publication bias was minimal, as indicated by Egger's test (p = 0.108) and trim-and-fill analyses. Although 50% of the included studies were rated as having a high risk of bias, sensitivity analyses did not reveal important deviations from mean effect. Studies suggest that MBIs meaningfully enhance flow state and trait. Mechanistic insights suggest that MBIs improve flow by enhancing attention, present-moment awareness, and reducing self-critical thoughts. However, small sample sizes and high risk of bias warrant caution. Future research should investigate dose-response and follow-up effects of interventions on specific dimensions of flow and ensure a rigorous assessment of bias risk and evidence synthesis.
Comparable studies
Other systematic reviews and meta-analyses on meditation, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Meditation Programs for Psychological Stress and Well-being Diverse adult clinical populations | 2014 | Meta-analysis | n = 3,515 |
| Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction for Stress Management in Healthy People: A Review and Meta-Analysis Healthy subjects | 2009 | Systematic review and meta-analysis | |
| The psychological effects of meditation: A meta-analysis. Nonclinical groups of adult meditators | 2012 | Meta-analysis | n = 163 |
| Efficacy of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy in Prevention of Depressive Relapse Adults with recurrent depression in full or partial remission | 2016 | Meta-analysis of individual patient data from randomized controlled trials | n = 1,258 |
| Mindfulness‐Based Stress Reduction and Mindfulness‐Based Cognitive Therapy – a systematic review of randomized controlled trials | 2011 | Systematic review |
Citations in the library
Cites 47
- Using Self-Report Assessment Methods to Explore Facets of Mindfulness Assessment January 27, 2006
- Construct Validity of the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire in Meditating and Nonmeditating Samples Assessment February 29, 2008
- A systematic review of the neurophysiology of mindfulness on EEG oscillations Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews 2015
- The Effect of Mindfulness Training on Athletes’ Flow: An Initial Investigation The Sport Psychologist June 1, 2011
- The Effect of Mindfulness-based Programs on Cognitive Function in Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis Neuropsychology Review August 4, 2021
and 42 more in the library