Is the Flow State a gateway to mental wellness and physical health?
Friday, April 26, 2024.
In a groundbreaking 2024 study, researchers have unearthed a profound correlation between the elusive "flow" state and mental and physical well-being.
This state, characterized by intense engagement and deep enjoyment in an activity, has been linked to many benefits for those naturally inclined to experience it, known as folks with high "flow proneness."
The study reveals that folks with high flow proneness are significantly less susceptible to mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and stress disorders.
Moreover, they are less likely to develop heart disease, indicating a compelling connection between mental and physical health.
Dr. Miriam Mosing, a co-author of the study, emphasized the need to consider the possibility of reverse causality in previous research, stating, "...previous studies have not taken into account reverse causality—i.e., mental health problems leading to less flow, or potential confounding factors that may underlie both health and flow, such as common genetic influences, environmental factors or personality traits. Therefore, a causal relationship has not been clearly established to date."
Flow proneness is associated with a range of positive outcomes, including enhanced psychological well-being, greater life satisfaction, elevated self-esteem, and the adoption of active coping strategies. Humans high in flow proneness tend to engage in activities for their intrinsic value rather than for external rewards, reflecting a deep-seated enjoyment and satisfaction in the activity itself.
Despite these compelling findings, the study acknowledges a critical caveat: the potential influence of poor mental health on the ability to experience flow. This suggests a complex interplay between mental health and flow proneness, indicating a need for further exploration in future research.
How the study was conducted
To explore this relationship, the study examined data from over 9,000 twins. The results underscored the protective nature of flow experiences against depression and anxiety, even after adjusting for factors such as neuroticism and family history. Additionally, flow proneness was associated with a decreased risk of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and cardiovascular disease.
Dr. Laura Wesseldijk, another co-author of the study, emphasized the significance of these findings, stating, “Our results show that while neuroticism and family factors are notable confounders, flow proneness remains associated with a significantly reduced risk of depression and anxiety even after adjusting for these factors. These findings are in line with a causal protective role of flow experiences.”
These findings underscore the profound impact of engaging in flow-inducing activities, not only on mental well-being but also on overall physical health. Incorporating these activities into daily life could serve as a potent tool for enhancing quality of life and well-being, highlighting the transformative power of the flow state.
Be Well, Stay Kind, and Godspeed.
RESEARCH:
Gaston, E., Ullén, F., Wesseldijk, L. W., & Mosing, M. A. (2024). Can flow proneness be protective against mental and cardiovascular health problems? A genetically informed prospective cohort study. Translational Psychiatry, 14(1), 1-8. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41398-024-02855-6
