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This book reviews current flow research, focusing on rigorous analysis on methodology, and presenting neuropsychological considerations and empirical correlates of flow experiences. Also covers theoretical integrations of different paths in flow research.

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The concept of Flow was first explained by Csikszentmihalyi (1975), described as an "optimal experience," he noted that artists were entirely caught up in their projects, working feverishly to finish them and then lose all interest in their work after completion. The incentive lies in the act of creativity itself. The person feels optimally challenged while totally immersed in the activity. At the heart of flow research is the motivational aspect of this experience. Flow motivates people to carry out certain activities repeatedly, seeking a challenge in the act and looking to improve their skills and abilities. In this book, this motivational aspect will be imbedded in and related to other theories of (intrinsic) motivation and empirical work on flow and performance. The book provides a review of the current flow research, with a focus on rigorous analysis on methodology. The author takes the time to present methodological aspects in flow research to qualify empirical work. In addition, this volume presents neuropsychological considerations and empirical correlates of flow experiences. The work also describes various theoretical integrations of the different paths being taken within the field of flow research. It presents what has been learned since the beginning of flow research, what is still open, and how the mission to understand and foster flow experience research should continue.

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- Historical lines and overview of current research.- A closer look at methodological approaches.- Factors predicting flow experience.- Flow, motivation and performance.- Flow in a non-achievement situation.- Flow as a feeling of oneness.- The dark side of the moon: negative aspects of Flow.-Neuropsychological correlates of flow experience.- Autotelic personality.- Theoretical integration and future lines.

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From the reviews:

"Advances in Flow Research presents a collection of chapters by impressively talented researchers in the area of flow theory. It merits close reading by all those interested in research on flow, happiness, and other related topics in the field of positive psychology. ... Advances in Flow Research is a major contribution to the research literature on flow theory. It surveys and rigorously describes an imposing quantity of psychological research and deserves a wide readership." (David Manier, PsycCRITIQUES, Vol. 58 (5), January, 2013)

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