Is the Flow State a Form of Dissociation?
The flow state, described by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi as “being completely involved in an activity for its own sake,” is often hailed as the pinnacle of human productivity and creativity. But from a psychotherapeutic perspective, it prompts a deeper question: is flow a form of dissociation? And if so, when might it be beneficial — or potentially harmful?
What Is the Flow State?
The flow state occurs when a person is fully immersed in a task, experiencing a sense of timelessness, focus, and diminished self-consciousness. Commonly reported in artists, athletes, and writers, flow is associated with deep engagement, intrinsic motivation, and a seamless merging of action and awareness (Csikszentmihalyi, 1990).
Flow is typically described as:
- Highly pleasurable
- Goal-directed
- Involving complete absorption
- Accompanied by a loss of awareness of time or bodily needs
What Is Dissociation?
Dissociation, on the other hand, is typically associated with trauma or stress. It involves a disconnection between thoughts, identity, consciousness, and memory (van der Hart et al., 2006). It may manifest as depersonalisation, derealisation, or amnesia, and is often an adaptive response to overwhelming experiences.
However, dissociation also exists on a continuum. Not all dissociation is pathological. Mild, everyday dissociation includes phenomena like “highway hypnosis” or daydreaming — transient states of disengagement from external reality.
Are Flow and Dissociation Related?
Flow and dissociation share some characteristics: both involve altered states of consciousness and a reduced sense of self-awareness. In this way, flow could be viewed as a form of dissociation — but one that is purposeful and self-regulated.
A key difference lies in agency and intention. Flow arises from chosen engagement with a task; dissociation, in its more troubling forms, is often a defence mechanism. But both may lead to:
- Diminished perception of bodily needs (e.g., hunger, fatigue)
- Altered time perception
- Temporary suspension of the “narrative self”
Neuroscientific research suggests both states may involve reduced activity in the default mode network (DMN), a brain network associated with self-referential thinking (Carhart-Harris et al., 2014).
When Flow Is Beneficial
Flow can be a powerful therapeutic tool. In trauma-informed therapy, engaging clients in creative or movement-based practices (such as art, music, dance, or sport) can create safe, embodied flow experiences. These can help:
- Rebuild a sense of agency
- Offer respite from hypervigilance
- Restore pleasure and play
Flow also enhances motivation, learning, and skill development — making it a valuable resource in both personal growth and psychotherapy.
When Flow Might Be Harmful
However, if flow becomes compulsive or is used to avoid difficult emotions, it may function as a form of functional dissociation. This is where flow — like workaholism, over-exercising, or creative “binges” — serves as an escape from emotional pain.
Signs flow may be masking dissociation include:
- Neglect of bodily needs during immersion
- Emotional numbness during or after the activity
- Feeling “out of body” rather than embodied
- Using flow as a form of avoidance rather than engagement
In clients with unresolved trauma, flow states can sometimes become dysregulated, leading to shutdown rather than revitalisation.
Clinical Implications
In psychotherapy, recognising the nuance between flow and dissociation is key. Therapists might ask:
- Is this client using flow to connect or to escape?
- Does the activity enhance embodiment, or diminish it?
- Is the flow state followed by integration, or by collapse?
Encouraging mindful flow — activities that are absorbing but also grounded in interoceptive awareness — can harness the benefits while reducing risk.
Conclusion
The flow state shares similarities with dissociation but is not inherently pathological. Like many altered states, its impact depends on the individual’s intent, context, and psychological history. Flow can be a powerful force for healing, creativity, and resilience — but it can also mask unprocessed trauma if not balanced with reflection and integration.
References
- Csikszentmihalyi, M. (1990). Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience. New York: Harper & Row.
- van der Hart, O., Nijenhuis, E. R. S., & Steele, K. (2006). The Haunted Self: Structural Dissociation and the Treatment of Chronic Traumatization. New York: Norton.
- Carhart-Harris, R. L., et al. (2014). The entropic brain: A theory of conscious states informed by neuroimaging research with psychedelic drugs. Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, 8, 20. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnhum.2014.00020