Grace Sherman

Date of Award

2023

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelors

Department

Social Sciences

First Advisor

Cottrell, Catherine

Area of Concentration

Psychology

Abstract

Flow state in an experience of total engagement in an activity that is enjoyable in and of itself. Individuals can experience flow state alone or in groups in countless types of activities, ranging from everyday conversations to athletic competitions and creative endeavors. The current study investigated how the characteristics of creative flow state, a type of flow state in creative activities, differ from the nine core dimensions of flow state established by previous research. Using a qualitative research method, six participants were interviewed in audio-only, virtual meetings about their experiences of creative flow state. Each interview was audio-recorded and transcribed. Transcripts were thematically analyzed for the nine core characteristics of flow state, as well as any unique aspects of creative flow state that emerged as central, reoccurring themes. Overall, participants’ experiences of creative flow state partially aligned with the nine core characteristics of flow, although some differences did arise for certain characteristics. Notably, a majority of the participants described a distinct absence of clear goals in their creative flow state experiences. There were also some unique aspects of creative flow state that emerged, such as the experience of “sharing” flow state with an audience and/or collaborators. Due to a limited sample size, no substantial conclusions can be drawn, but the results of the present study suggest that creative flow experiences may have some unique aspects that differ from the nine core characteristics of flow state. The possible implications of this are varied and wide-reaching, including in creative and educational settings.

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