Trends and Research Themes regarding the Flow Experience in Social Science: A Comprehensive Bibliometric Analysis

This study performed a bibliometric analysis to delineate research trends regarding flow experiences from 2000 to 2024. Utilising Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi’s comprehensive theoretical framework on flow and addressing the shortcomings of prior research, data were obtained from Google Scholar via two distinct strategies concentrating on the keyword clusters "flow experience" and "flow state." The analysis indicated a substantial rise in flow-related papers, particularly since 2014. Research trends on this subject have also broadened to encompass other domains, like education, sports, technology, and mental health, beyond the conventional realm of psychology. The analysis of keywords and their co-occurrence identified significant clusters of research topics: (1) User-technology interaction, (2) Education, learning, and personal development, (3) Personal experiences, (4) Flow-based games, (5) Video games, anxiety, and achievement. The study ultimately proposes further research avenues, such as the integration of modern technologies, the construction of a comprehensive flow scale, and investigations within certain demographics, occupational settings, health, and sustainable development.