Flow (psychology)

High school (ages 12+)
Thinking & Learning

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/flow-psychology

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. What is the psychological framework?Part of positive psychology, focusing on optimal human experience
2. What is the theoretical originator?Mihály Csíkszentmihályi, introduced in 1975
3. What is flow?Flow is a special feeling when you are so into an activity that you feel energized and happy, and time seems to fly.
4. Why do we feel happy when we are in flow?Because flow makes us feel like we are doing something that matches our skills, so we feel proud and enjoy the activity.

Optimal Experience: A state of deep engagement and enjoyment, often synonymous with the flow state.
Intrinsic Motivation: The drive to engage in an activity for its own sake, rather than for external rewards.
Psychological Arousal: The level of alertness and readiness of the mind and body, which needs to be moderate for flow.