Flow in the context of daily experience fluctuation

Flow is just one of the various experiences that occur in daily life. Research has shown that different experiential profiles can be identified based on the subjective perception of environmental opportunities for action (challenges) and of the personal capabilities possessed to cope with them (skills). The different patterns of relationship between these two variables were operationalized through the Experience Fluctuation Model, leading to the identification of eight different experiences: arousal, flow, control, relaxation, boredom, apathy, worry, and anxiety. Besides allowing researchers to identify qualitative fluctuations of daily experience, the model provides information on how each specific experience can change quantitatively, as levels of challenges and skills increase or decrease. In this chapter, we will first present the Experience Sampling Method (ESM), a procedure that allows the gathering of real-time repeated samplings of individuals’ experience as daily situations and events unfold. Starting from ESM assessments, we will then illustrate the Experience Fluctuation Model, and we will provide empirical support to the eight experiential profiles identified by the model. We will finally present findings from groups of participants differing in age and culture, highlighting the potential of flow to promote growth in complexity and well-being.