Overview

The psychology of optimal states explores the mental and emotional conditions in which individuals perform at their best, often experiencing increased focus, creativity, and satisfaction. Central to this concept is flow, a psychological state where a person becomes fully immersed in an activity, losing track of time and self-consciousness while operating at peak capability. This involves a balance between the level of skill and the challenge level of the task, as well as individuals intrinsic motivations and goals. Understanding the psychology behind optimal states enhances personal performance and well-being while informing practices in education, sports, the workplace, and therapy, where fostering these states may lead to greater productivity, learning, and fulfillment. The Psychology of Optimal States explores the psychology of flow and related constructs. It examines current models, theories, and strategies, and presents findings from diverse psychological perspectives on the development of optimal flow states. This book covers topics such as brain networks, human behavior, and sports psychology, and is a useful resource for psychologists, medical professionals, academicians, researchers, and behavioral scientists.

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9798369385739

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Kristin Mauldin, Ph.D., is an associate professor and director of the Master of Science Sport and Performance Psychology graduate program at California Baptist University. Dr. Mauldin obtained her B.A. in Psychology from Cal State Hayward and her PhD in Psychology from Miami University. Dr. Mauldin's previous research examined the constructs underlying categorization and memory systems using mathematical modelling and behavioral neuroscience techniques. She continued her memory research as a post-doctoral fellow at University of California, San Diego working with amnesia patients. More recently, Dr. Mauldin has turned her attention to sport, performance, and exercise psychology. Her current research focuses primarily on the flow construct, examining the mechanisms of flow, its relationship to automaticity and sustained attention, and how it presents in different types of performance.

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