Achieving Flow: An Exploratory Investigation of Elite College Athletes and Musicians
Roberta Antonini Philippe, Sarah Morgana Singer, Joshua E. E. Jaeger, Michele Biasutti, Scott Sinnett
Frontiers in Psychology March 30, 2022 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.831508 (opens in new tab) via DOAJ
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractFlow states in athletes and musicians unfold through three distinct phases: preparation to enter flow, entry into the flow state, and exit from the flow state. Emotions play a core role across all three phases, regulating the emergence, maintenance, and termination of flow over time. The findings highlight the temporal dynamics of flow and the phenomenological characteristics of its transition and maintenance.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Qualitative study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 22 |
| Population | 10 athletes and 12 musicians |
| Keywords | Flow experience Qualitative study Elicitation interview Dynamics of flow Role of emotions |
| Key finding | Flow states emerge and develop through three phases—preparation, entry, and exit—with emotions serving a core regulatory function across all phases. |
Abstract
While studies on the characteristics of flow states and their relation to peak performance exist, little is known about the dynamics by which flow states emerge and develop over time. The current paper qualitatively explores the necessary pre-conditions to enter flow, and the development of flow over time until its termination. Using an elicitation interview, participants (10 athletes and 12 musicians) were asked to recall their flow experiences in sports or music performances. The analysis resulted in the identification of the following three phases that athletes and musicians experience during flow: (1) Preparation to enter flow; (2) Entry into the flow state and; (3) Exit from the flow state. These three phases are characterized by several sub-themes contributing to the experience of flow. The function of emotions is crucial, as they play a core role across all three phases and regulate flow over time. The findings provide insights into the phenomenological characteristics of the transition and maintenance of the three proposed phases and the temporal dynamics of flow.