The challenge-skill balance and antecedents of flow: A meta-analytic investigation
Fong, Zaleski and Leach pooled 28 studies on the challenge-skill balance and flow. The abstract reports a moderate relationship, smaller for intrinsic motivation, and weaker correlations in individualistic cultures, in work or education settings, in studies using experience sampling, and where flow was self-reported as a state rather than a trait. It names challenge-skill balance, clear goals and a sense of control among strong contributors to flow.
Fong, Zaleski and Leach pooled 28 studies on the challenge-skill balance and flow. The abstract reports a moderate relationship, smaller for intrinsic motivation, and weaker correlations in individualistic cultures, in work or education settings, in studies using experience sampling, and where flow was self-reported as a state rather than a trait. It names challenge-skill balance, clear goals and a sense of control among strong contributors to flow.
Written from the abstract, publisher record via a professional-body listing, 2026-10-31.
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Fong, C. J., Zaleski, D. J., & Leach, J. K. (2015). The challenge-skill balance and antecedents of flow: A meta-analytic investigation. The Journal of Positive Psychology, 10(5), 425-446. doi:10.1080/17439760.2014.967799 https://doi.org/10.1080/17439760.2014.967799