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#644 - Flow and Well-Being

Reference: Mao, Yanhui; Luo, Xinyi; Wang, Shujun, Mao, Zhuozhu, Xie, Mei, & Bonaiuto, Marino. (2024). Flow experience fosters university students' well-being through psychological resilience: A longitudinal design with cross-lagged analysis. The British Journal of Educational Psychology, 94(2), 518–538. https://doi.org/10.1111/bjep.12661

Do you know that losing yourself in an activity can influence your happiness? FLOW means a mental state of full concentration and enjoyment in an activity.  

 

Chinese, English, and Italian researchers collaborated to study the impact on college students’ happiness and resilience when they experienced FLOW.  At three time points across one semester, they gave 470 university students questionnaires measuring FLOW, psychological resilience, and well-being. 

 

Results? Students who regularly experienced FLOW states had greater psychological resilience, meaning they were better at coping with stress and bouncing back from adversity. Thus, the more you engage in activities that fully capture your attention, whether it is following your curiosity, sports, music, walking in nature, or even schoolwork, the more mental strength and happiness you develop.  

 

Get into FLOW in your life! Do things that are challenging enough to engage you, but not overwhelming barriers. Turn off the distractions, set clear goals, and immerse yourself in something you enjoy doing. By engaging in FLOW, you're not only enjoying yourself but you're also strengthening your resilience to handle life’s downsides. Psychology science shows that FLOW isn't just about productivity but rather a well-being powerhouse. Try getting into the FLOW! Feel the benefits.

Written by Isabella Scaglione, Forensic Psychology Undergrad

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