Unlocking Flow: The Power of Entrainment and the Autotelic Edge
University
Shawnee State University
Major
Psychology / Neuroscience / Biomedical Sciences
Student Type
Undergraduate Student
Presentation Types
Oral Presentation (Live)
Keywords:
flow state, neurofeedback, personality modulation, brainwave sonification
Abstract
Flow state is a psychological condition characterized by deep focus, intrinsic motivation, and peak performance. Often called being "in the zone," it enhances cognition, creativity, and well-being while offering potential therapeutic applications. This study evaluates five entrainment techniques — lo-fi music, meditation, rhythmic stimulation, binaural beats, and neurofeedback using sonified brainwaves from a flow-state donor — to induce flow, assessed via EEG (Emotiv Epoc X) and self-reports. Participants will experience each condition in a randomized within-subjects design. EEG analysis will examine alpha, theta, and beta activity in the prefrontal cortex, where transient hypofrontality, a key marker of flow, occurs. The Flow State Scale-2 (FSS-2) and Short Dispositional Flow Scale (SDFS) will assess subjective flow, while openness to experience and conscientiousness will be evaluated as moderating factors. A repeated measures ANOVA will compare flow efficacy across conditions, and regression analysis will examine personality influences. By clarifying the neurophysiological underpinnings of flow, this research aims to inform personalized cognitive interventions that optimize performance and well-being in education, creative therapies, and athletics while opening new avenues for therapeutic interventions in cPTSD.
Human and Animal Subjects
yes
IRB or IACUC Approval
yes
Faculty Mentor Name
Kyle A Vick
Faculty Mentor Title
Professor
Faculty Mentor Department
Social Sciences
Second Faculty Mentor
Michael Barnhart
Second Faculty Mentor Title
Interim Dean, College of Arts & Sciences
Second Faculty Mentor Department
Fine, Digital, and Performing Arts
Recommended Citation
Jordan, Dawn, "Unlocking Flow: The Power of Entrainment and the Autotelic Edge" (2025). Celebration of Scholarship. 2.
https://digitalcommons.shawnee.edu/cos/2025/trustees/2
Location
LIB 204
Unlocking Flow: The Power of Entrainment and the Autotelic Edge
LIB 204
Flow state is a psychological condition characterized by deep focus, intrinsic motivation, and peak performance. Often called being "in the zone," it enhances cognition, creativity, and well-being while offering potential therapeutic applications. This study evaluates five entrainment techniques — lo-fi music, meditation, rhythmic stimulation, binaural beats, and neurofeedback using sonified brainwaves from a flow-state donor — to induce flow, assessed via EEG (Emotiv Epoc X) and self-reports. Participants will experience each condition in a randomized within-subjects design. EEG analysis will examine alpha, theta, and beta activity in the prefrontal cortex, where transient hypofrontality, a key marker of flow, occurs. The Flow State Scale-2 (FSS-2) and Short Dispositional Flow Scale (SDFS) will assess subjective flow, while openness to experience and conscientiousness will be evaluated as moderating factors. A repeated measures ANOVA will compare flow efficacy across conditions, and regression analysis will examine personality influences. By clarifying the neurophysiological underpinnings of flow, this research aims to inform personalized cognitive interventions that optimize performance and well-being in education, creative therapies, and athletics while opening new avenues for therapeutic interventions in cPTSD.
