Functional MRI (fMRI) studies suggest that there is lower activity in the prefrontal cortex, an area involved in executive functioning, during flow. This decline prevents a person from actively thinking about themselves, enabling them to immerse themselves fully in the task. Transient hypofrontality hypothesis: In this theory, executive function temporarily declines.Researchers have proposed two main theories for how flow affects the brain: Flow might then further stimulate dopamine, creating a cycle. It is possible that both are true.įor example, activating the dopamine system might enable flow. It is unclear whether entering a state of flow causes these changes or whether these brain changes cause or enable flow. During flow, a person must have high levels of engagement with a challenging task that matches their skill level for this system to regulate task engagement properly. This brain system helps regulate decision making and engagement with tasks. People in a state of flow have higher levels of dopamine, which could explain why they might not notice that they are hungry or tired.Ī 2021 mini-review argues that the brain’s locus coeruleus-norepinephrine (LC-NE) system is also involved in flow. It can also help suppress bodily sensations, such as hunger. Studies have shown that the dopamine reward system plays an important role.ĭopamine is a neurotransmitter that supports feelings of motivation, pleasure, and reward.
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