Abstract
Flow, an optimal experience characterized by deep immersion and engagement in an activity, has been extensively studied in behavioral research. However, its neural dynamic mechanism remains poorly understood. In a within-subject video gaming experiment, we captured neural activity underlying flow, boredom, and anxiety using a 64-channel electroencephalogram (EEG) system. Compared to boredom and anxiety, flow exhibits the highest global functional connectivity, metastability, and dimensionality of dynamic functional connectivity patterns, suggesting that flow is a highly adaptable process that is supported by high-dimensional neural dynamics. Unlike previous studies that focused on identifying static or localized brain activity, we examine the neural dynamic patterns of flow and propose the Global Dynamic Flow Model that characterizes flow as a high-dimensional, global metastable neural activity. Our study offers novel insights into the role of high-dimensionality and global metastability in brain activity associated with the flow experience.
Recommended Citation
Eldaly, A. B., Kang, K. Z., Nah, F. F., Chan, L. L., Siau, K. L., Liu, X. F., Huskey, R., Chen, L., Yelamanchili, T., & Weber, R. (2026). Neural Symphony of Flow Experience: Evidence for High-dimensional Metastable Dynamics. Neuroimage, 338 Elsevier.
The definitive version is available at https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuroimage.2026.122049
Department(s)
Business and Information Technology
Publication Status
Open Access
Keywords and Phrases
Complex networks; Dimensionality; Dynamic functional connectivity; Flow experience; Global dynamic flow model; Metastability
International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)
1095-9572; 1053-8119
Document Type
Article - Journal
Document Version
Final Version
File Type
text
Language(s)
English
Rights
© 2026 Elsevier, All rights reserved.
Creative Commons Licensing
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Publication Date
01 Sep 2026
PubMed ID
42269800
