Work

The neuroscientific basis of flow: Learning progress guides task engagement and cognitive control

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: • Learning progress predicts task engagement and flow experiences. • EEG shows enchanced proactive preparation linked to learning progress. • Enhanced feedback processing correlates with increased learning progress. • Cognitive control adapts to progress at task-block and goal-episode levels. • Findings highlight the role of learning progress in maintaining task engagement and cognitive control over time. People often strive for deep engagement in activities, a state typically associated with feelings of flow - full task absorption accompanied by a sense of control and enjoyment. The intrinsic factors driving such engagement and facilitating subjective feelings of flow remain unclear. Building on computational theories of intrinsic motivation, this study examines how learning progress predicts engagement and directs cognitive control. Results showed that task engagement, indicated by feelings of flow and low distractibility, is a function of learning progress. Electroencephalography data further revealed that learning progress is associated with enhanced proactive preparation (e.g., reduced pre-stimulus contingent negativity variance and parietal alpha desynchronization) and improved feedback processing (e.g., increased P3b amplitude and parietal alpha desynchronization). The impact of learning progress on cognitive control is observed at the task-block and goal-episode levels, but not at the trial level. This suggests that learning progress shapes cognitive control over extended periods as progress accumulates. These findings highlight the critical role of learning progress in sustaining engagement and cognitive control in goal-directed behavior.

Source: NeuroImage

DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2025.121076

Authors: Hairong Lu, Dimitri Van der Linden, Arnold B. Bakker

Institutions: Erasmus University Rotterdam, University of Johannesburg

Language: English

Topic: Flow Experience in Various Fields

Subfield: Developmental and Educational Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Quality education

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,540