Unpacking the neural correlates of flow
Jasmine Tan
Goldsmiths College 2021 DOI: 10.25602/gold.00030430 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Electrophysiological experiments Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 88 |
| Population | Professional musicians |
| Intervention | self-induced flow state during music performance |
| Key findings | The authors argue that studying musicians during music performance offers a valid way to capture neural correlates of flow under realistic conditions. In their electrophysiological experiments, the post-flow state, compared with the post-non-flow state, was associated with lower delta (1-4 Hz) power and increased upper alpha (10-12 Hz) and beta (15-30 Hz) power. |
Abstract
Flow is a highly positive experience occurring during an intense engagement in a challenging and enjoyable activity. Although this psychological construct was introduced decades ago, its underlying neural correlates have yet to be properly characterised. Further, most relevant research has considered tasks (like mental arithmetic) that are less engaging and when conducted in the controlled environment of a lab, do not reflect the conditions under which flow is usually experienced. Here, we suggest an alternative framework to study flow by studying musicians, who are engaged in a complex activity they find intrinsic enjoyment and meaning in, and argue that this represents a valid, if technically challenging, opportunity to collect neurophysiological data under conditions conducive to flow and reflect an experience more recognisable as the optimal experience often described as flow. We conducted several independent electrophysiological experiments on professional musicians' (N=88) self-induced flow state during music performance. Brain responses in the post-flow state, as compared to the post-non-flow state, were associated with lower delta (1-4 Hz) and increased upper alpha (10-12 Hz) and beta (15-30 Hz) power. ... (continues)