Art therapy and flow: a review of the literature and applications
Abstract
Flow is a construct developed by Mihály Csíkszentmihályi that describes a psychological state of optimal attention and engagement. Creativity and improved well-being have been empirically linked to the flow experience; therefore, the study of flow has implications for art therapy research and practice. Art therapists may facilitate personal growth by helping individuals enter and maintain a state of flow in their art making. This article reviews the literature on the characteristics of the flow experience and its neurological functions and suggests applications to art therapy theory and practice.
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Using creative research methods may enhance a state of flow in children, inducing more details about their experiences and memories.
“Using creative research methods may enhance a state of flow in children, inducing more details about their experiences and memories. 63”
From New methodological directions for involving children in past life memories research (2026) · cites this paper as [63]
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References 56 · Cited by 80
- Authors
- Chilton, G.
- Affiliations
- a Alexandria , VA
- Corresponding author
- Chilton, Gioia
- ORCID
- Chilton, Gioia
- Venue
- Art Therapy
- Publisher
- Informa UK Limited
- Published
- 2013-05-30
- Volume
- 30
- Issue
- 2
- Pages
- 64-70
- ISSN
- 0742-1656 (ISSN-L)
- 2159-9394
- OpenAlex
- W2075792908
- Cited by
- 80
- References
- 56
- Citations by year
- 2026: 10 · 2025: 7 · 2024: 9 · 2023: 12 · 2022: 4 · 2021: 6 · 2020: 9 · 2019: 3 · 2018: 4 · 2017: 5 · 2016: 4 · 2015: 4 · 2014: 3
- FWCI
- 64.84
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- Art Therapy (publishedVersion)
- Topics
- Social Sciences › Arts and Humanities › Conservation › Art Therapy and Mental Health
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Developmental and Educational Psychology › Flow Experience in Various Fields
- Health Sciences › Health Professions › Occupational Therapy › Occupational Therapy Practice and Research
- Keywords
- flow experience, Csikszentmihalyi, creativity, well-being, artistic creation, personal growth
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