Flow Theory in Media Contexts: Advances in Experimental Research

• In Event: Motivational Processes Within Socially Desirable and Undesirable Contexts

Abstract

This study provides experimental test of the fundamental assumption of flow theory (Csikszentmihalyi, 1990). A student sample played a modified Tetris game with both adaptive and non-adaptive modes. Self-report flow measures and Secondary Task Response Times (STRTs) were used for measuring the attentional component of flow. Initial analyses support hypothesized maximization of flow and minimization of STRTs in the adaptive condition. Implications for future development and application of flow theory are discussed.

Authors

• Benjamin Kantor, University of California, Santa Barbara

• Rene Weber, University of California, Santa Barbara