Flow in sport performance: A systematic review of psychological mechanisms and conceptual gaps

Authors

• Nanda Farah Muftia, Universitas Negeri Semarang, IndonesiaFollow
• Heny Setyawati, Universitas Negeri Semarang, IndonesiaFollow
• Donny Wira Yudha Kusuma, Universitas Negeri Semarang, IndonesiaFollow
• Churia Dina Rahmatin, Universitas Negeri Semarang, IndonesiaFollow
• Dewi Ayu Kusumaningtyas, Universitas Negeri Semarang, IndonesiaFollow
• Siti Baitul Mukarromah, Universitas Negeri Semarang, IndonesiaFollow
• Adi S, Universitas Negeri Semarang, IndonesiaFollow

Abstract

Background: Athletic performance is a psychologically complex process, with “flow” recognized as central to optimal performance. However, its emergence is often treated as automatic and lacks sufficient explanation through broader psychological mechanisms. Objective: This study synthesizes recent literature on flow in sport performance, emphasizing psychological mechanisms, situational determinants, and conceptual gaps. Methods: A systematic review was conducted following PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Eight peer-reviewed, English-language articles (published 2022-2026) retrieved exclusively from the Scopus database met the inclusion criteria and were analyzed using thematic synthesis. Result: Flow is a dynamic psychological process, not a static state. Supporting optimal athletic performance through enhanced focus, full engagement, and efficient execution. It is shaped by situational demands, psychological pressure, cognitive appraisal, and internal resources like mental energy, resilience, and mindfulness. While flow is associated with adaptive performance regulation and well-being, current research presents limitations: a lack of integrative models explaining flow development, methodological challenges in dynamic measurement, and limited integration of “meaning in life” as an explanatory construct. Conclusion: While flow is crucial for optimal sport performance, its emergence relies on dynamic psychological processes rather than spontaneity alone. A more integrative framework is needed to fully explain how flow develops, fluctuates, and is sustained across different sporting contexts.

First Page

195

Last Page

206

Recommended Citation

Muftia, N. F., Setyawati, H., Kusuma, D. Y., Rahmatin, C. D., Kusumaningtyas, D. A., Mukarromah, S. B., & S, A. (2026). Flow in sport performance: A systematic review of psychological mechanisms and conceptual gaps. Indonesian Journal of Research in Physical Education, Sport, and Health, 4(2), 195-206.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.17977/2986-8831.1073
Available at: https://citeus.um.ac.id/ijrpesh/vol4/iss2/2