Flow Experience (PDF)

One specific research interest is the psychological flow state, its underlying mechanisms, and its importance for motivation and creativity in expertise. The research of Ullén is mainly focused on musicians as a model group. Methodologically his team combines neuroimaging and behavior genetic analyses with experimental psychology and physiology. In addition to his career as a scientist, Professor Ullén is active as a professional pianist, and is represented as a soloist on around 20 CD records. He is a lifetime fellow of the Swedish Royal Academy of Music since 2007.
Jon Wright is a Principal Lecturer in the School of Health Sciences at the University of Brighton. He completed his PhD in 2008 exploring the process of optimal experiences utilising a phenomenological approach. Within his research Jon provides an occupational science perspective, a science that underpins his professional background as an occupational therapist. His research has integrated Reversal Theory to help our conceptualisation of flow. Jon's research continues to explore the flow concept and with a team of Network Partners he is aiming to establish a shared conceptualisation of flow, developing guidelines regarding the utility of different measurements and indicators of flow.

Gaynor Sadlo recently retired as Professor of Occupational Science at the University of Brighton, England, following 47 years in occupational therapy practice, teaching and research. She has been interested in flow concepts for about 25 years, promoting undergraduate and postgraduate flow research (with colleague Dr Jon Wright) as crucial to the understanding of the therapeutic properties of 'occupation'; in particular, reduced self-awareness is seen as a crucial aspect of the beneficial effects of deep engagement. Flow within pedagogy is another major interest, and her pioneering research and practice in problem-based learning as a philosophy of optimal educational experience gained the award of National Teaching Fellow in 2007. She is also a Fellow of the College of Occupational Therapists.