Developed by American psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, flow theory refers to a child’s state of full concentration on an activity that is meaningful to them and perfectly suited to their abilities. Insofar as there is a real link between this theory and the notion of self-esteem and quality of life, an occupational therapist may need to use it to support the development of a DYS child.
Flow theory or positive psychology
In the 2000s, Martin Seligman paved the way for a psychology designed both to make things positive and to scientifically define what makes us happy. This trend has also been championed by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi since 1975, with his theory of flow, characterized by a person’s total absorption in his or her occupation.
This state of immersion allows us touse our emotions to enhance learning and performance. In flow, these emotions are both contained and channeled, but also positive and stimulating, in tune with the task in hand.
According to Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, this mental state leads to “very important consequences : improved performance, creativitý, skills development, self-esteem and stress reduction. In short, it contributes to personal growth, brings great enchantment and improves the qualitý of life.”
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What are the components of Flow theory?
Flow theory can be applied to any activity, as long as it is adapted to the DYS child’s abilities and makes sense to him or her. To achieve this optimal experience, 8 components are essential:
- Confrontation with a feasible activity (to achieve success)
- Ability to concentrate on the task
- Settingclear objectives (to maintain focus)
- Immediate feedback on the activity and this experience
- Significant investment (to inspire a minimum of self-transcendence)
- The feeling of control
- The disappearance of concern for being
- Altered sense of time (lengthening, shortening…)
In other words, the child needs to engage in an activity suited to his or her level of competence (neither superior, a source of boredom, nor inferior, a source of anxiety). Perfectly focused, he exercises total control over his actions, his commitment is deep, his distractions non-existent. His perception of duration is altered, and his preoccupation with self disappears in favor of a sense of self.
Flow theory for DYS children
For Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, attention is a psychic energy to be cultivated, nurtured and learned to use appropriately, because the quality of experience depends on it.
Flow theory analyzes children’s abilities and motivations in relation to an activity. In the life of a DYS child, often confronted with situations of failure, this can reveal a mismatch between the level of challenge and the level of ability, leading the child into a negative spiral.
Whether at school or at home, an occupational therapist can bring these two variables into harmony, to gradually exclude situations of failure and work on the DYS child’s self-esteem. Talk it over with one of the professionals on the Ora-Visio platform !
[1 ] Quote: https://giannibergandi.com/flow-mihaly-csikszentmihaly/
