Advances in Flow Research by Stefan Engeser

Author:Stefan Engeser
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Springer New York, New York, NY

Flow theory (Csikszentmihalyi 1975) and cognitive evaluation theory (CET) (Deci and Ryan 1985) have each inspired a large body of research dedicated to understanding why we enjoy doing what we enjoy doing. Despite what appear to be largely overlapping agendas, however, there have been few attempts at theoretical integration. This is especially surprising given both theories emphasize the role of competence-related processes. Flow theory proposes that intrinsically motivating experience is dependent on a balance of perceived challenges and perceived skills (cf. Chap. 2). Within CET, perceived competence is one of two key psychological constructs proposed to underlie enjoyment (the other being perceived autonomy) (Deci and Ryan 1985).

In this chapter, I attempt to clarify the relationship between these two theories. Because flow theory’s concept of “optimal challenge” has most relevance for CET’s perceived competence proposition, this chapter’s primary focus will be on reconciling these two theoretical propositions. I begin by summarizing relevant empirical findings, highlighting those that are not consistent with the propositions, as they are especially useful in identifying the range of each theory’s explanatory potential.

An assumption I make throughout this chapter is that flow theory is relevant for predicting not only flow but also enjoyment. Indeed, in most of the studies I refer to, the outcome variable was enjoyment rather than flow. This assumption is fully consistent with how the model was intended to be used since its inception (Csikszentmihalyi 1975). That is, although the model was developed by examining the conditions associated with optimal experience (flow), the intention was to create a model that could be applied toward a broader range of intrinsically motivated behavior.

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