Flow in Creativity: A Review of Potential Theoretical Conflict

Abstract

This chapter reviews both qualitative and experimental research, arguing that some theories surrounding flow are potentially contradictory to theories of crea-tivity. Dual-process thought systems and hypofrontality theories are discussed in relation to creativity and flow, highlighting omissions in research to date, and the need for further empirical investigation of creativity in flow. Four specific areas for future research are proposed: 1) a more in-depth understanding of self-evaluative mechanisms during flow, and the relevance of clear goals and feed-back within creative domains; 2) whether flow during deliberate forms of creativi-ty is possible and whether this contradicts hypofrontality theories; 3) the complex relationship between creativity, affect, and flow; and 4) whether and how flow re-lates to creative achievement.