Unfolding Happiness Through Flow: A Study Of Flow Activities
Author(s): Dr. Sanskriti Damade
Authors Affiliations:
Assistant Professor, PMCOE Govt. Hamidia College. Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India
DOIs:10.2015/IJIRMF/202603024     |     Paper ID: IJIRMF202603024Abstract: The present study titled “Unfolding Happiness Through Flow: A Study of Flow Activities” aimed to examine the relationship between different types of flow activities and happiness among college students. The sample consisted of 200 adult participants from diverse academic streams. Using a correlational research design, the study explored how engagement in active flow activities—including romantic interaction, prayer or yoga, artistic pursuits, sports, and social engagement—and passive flow activities—such as listening to music, watching television, using social media, resting, and spending time alone—relate to overall happiness. Data were analyzed using Pearson’s correlation coefficient. Results indicated a strong positive correlation between active flow activities and happiness (r = 0.728, p < .001), and a significant negative correlation between passive flow activities and happiness (r = -0.548, p < .001). The findings highlight the importance of cultivating active flow experiences as pathways to happiness and psychological flourishing among young adults.
Dr. Sanskriti Damade (2026); Unfolding Happiness Through Flow: A Study Of Flow Activities , International Journal for Innovative Research in Multidisciplinary Field, ISSN(O): 2455-0620, Vol-12, Issue-3, Available on – https://www.ijirmf.com/
REFERENCES:
- Abuhamdeh, S. (2020). Investigating the ‘Flow’ Experience: Key Conceptual and Operational Issues. Frontiers in Psychology.
- Csikszentmihalyi, M. (1990). Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience. Harper & Row.
- Csikszentmihalyi, M. (1997). Finding Flow: The Psychology of Engagement with Everyday Life. Basic Books.
- da Silva de Matos, N. M. (2021). A review and extension of the flow experience concept.
- Diener, E. (2000). Subjective well-being: The science of happiness. American Psychologist, 55(1), 34–43.
- Dingle, G. A., et al. (2021). How Do Music Activities Affect Health and Well-Being? Frontiers in Psychology.
- Hagen, I. B., et al. (2024). The impact of yoga on occupational stress and wellbeing.
- Holder, M. D., Coleman, B., & Sehn, Z. L. (2009). The contribution of active and passive leisure to children’s well-being. Journal of Health Psychology, 14(3), 378–386.
- Marciano, L., et al. (2024). Does social media use make us happy? A meta-analysis.
- Rodríguez-Bravo, A. E., et al. (2020). Effect of Physical-Sports Leisure Activities on Young People’s Psychological Well-Being. Frontiers in Psychology.
- Ryan, R. M., & Deci, E. L. (2000). Self-determination theory and intrinsic motivation. American Psychologist, 55(1), 68–78.
- Schiffer, L. P., & Roberts, T. A. (2018). The paradox of happiness: Why are we not doing what know makes us happy?. The Journal of Positive Psychology, 13(3), 252-259.
- Seligman, M. E. P. (2002). Authentic Happiness: Using the New Positive Psychology to Realize Your Potential for Lasting Fulfillment. Free Press.
- Zheng, C., et al. (2023). Research on the flow experience and social influences of short online videos. Scientific Reports.

