Flow Theory: A Comprehensive Guide
Flow theory is a psychological theory that describes a state of deep concentration and engagement in an activity. When in a state of flow, people are so involved in what they are doing that they lose track of time and everything else around them. Flow theory was developed by Hungarian-American psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi in the 1970s. Csikszentmihalyi studied people from a variety of fields, including artists, athletes, and scientists, to try to understand what makes them experience flow. He found that flow is characterized by the following: Clear goals: People in a state of flow have a clear understanding of what they are trying to achieve. Immediate feedback: People in a state of flow receive immediate feedback on their performance, which allows them to make adjustments as needed. Challenge-skill balance: The challenge of the task must be matched to the person's skills. If the task is too easy, the person will become bored. If the task is too difficult, the person will beco…