Flow & Autotelic Personalities
What is the flow state?
High levels of well-being are a result of an individual feeling fully engaged in their life (Dwight et al., 2021), and it has been shown that workers who experience more frequent flow experiences also show higher levels of well-being compared to workers with lower rates of reported flow experiences (Bakker & Sanz-Vergel, 2013). The flow experience involves engagement, enjoyment, and deep absorption (Csikszentmihalyi, 1990). Due to the complex and ever-changing nature of the flow experience, some individuals may experience a flow state in every activity they complete. In contrast, others may be unable to enter flow in any activity they do (Dwight et al., 2021).
Csikszentmihalyi (1990) developed the term ‘autotelic personality’ to reference the various traits that contribute to one’s ability to experience flow which include “(a) curiosity, (b) persistence, (c) low self-centeredness, (d) intrinsic motivation, (e) enjoyment of challenges, (f) transformation of boredom and tedium, and (g) attentional control” (Dwight et al., p. 311, 2021).
Although it may seem natural to conclude that a curious individual would have more flow experiences because they chase answers and crave knowledge, what about an individual who transforms boredom?
What is an autotelic personality?
When we look at a person with an autotelic personality, having a flow experience is positively associated. What is also known about individuals with higher rates of flow experiences is that they report higher levels of well-being.
Individuals who have “higher (vs. lower) autotelic personality were more prone to experiencing flow in everyday activities, and in turn were satisfied with their lives more and enjoyed a high level of flourishing” (Dwight et al., p. 312, 2021).
Individuals who possess an autotelic personality strive to find activities that provide them with adequate challenges to where their skills can grow and improve.
By nature, it makes sense that these individuals are more prone to having a flow experience simply because they are curious and enjoy any challenge to which they may gain intrinsic reward.