Outline of a Model of Progressive Flow Absorption

Flow is a state of profound task-absorption and intense concentration that creates a sense of oneness with the activity. Flow has been traditionally described as both an “experiential” phenomenon and an “optimal experience”. The present study outlines a flow model that disentangles flow states that are cognitively productive, and hence “optimal”, from flow states that are not, thus constituting an initial step toward studying flow objectively, in terms of its underlying neural and cognitive processes, and not simply as a subjective phenomenon. The model provides a multi-layered framework designed to explain the mechanism behind achieving immersive flow states during goal-oriented tasks. It involves the interplay of two cognitive systems, System 1 (the faster, automatic, and subconscious processing) and System 2 (the slower executive control-based processing constrained by active maintenance/working memory limits) and introduces the concept of thresholds that moderate the dominance of each system. The model highlights the role of information gaps, prediction, and reward in driving the immersion process, and outlines the progression from the outer to most inner ring – immersive flow – through four key thresholds, also contemplating various possibilities of failure in achieving flow. The model predicts the possibility of augmenting cognitively productive flow states through experimental manipulations aimed at enhancing goal and time perception when reaching immersive flow. The opportunities and challenges of testing, modifying, and refining the model are discussed.

Keywords:Flow immersion model; Balance between challenges and skills; Concentration; Absorption; Self-consciousness; Goal setting; Clear feedback; Time perception; Information gap; Threshold