Experiencing Flow: An Interpersonal Process View

Abstract

Previous researches on Flow have focused on the intrapersonal aspect through which individuals can experience Flow. The balance between challenge and skill has been the most important precondition for Flow. However, Flow may be attainable through other methods especially in terms of historical and cultural perspectives. To provide an alternative explanation, the current study discussed Shinmyeong, a cultural phenomenon in Korea, and its specific process as a cultural form of Flow. People who experienced Shinmyeong reported that they began to experience it when they interacted with the others who were in the same place at the time of Shinmyeong experience. They thought every person there was exchanging the same feelings with one another and the feelings were amplified based on such beliefs. This interpersonal process regulated the intensity of Shinmyeong, and the way people experience it was constructed by culture. The cultural concept of Woori (we) was also discussed to understand the way of communication among Korean people, which may be the foundation of the interpersonal process in Shinmyeong experience.