The "Flow Paradox": When High Engagement Leads to Burnout

This study explores the "Flow Paradox"—a psychological phenomenon wherein sustained high engagement, typically associated with optimal performance and well-being, paradoxically contributes to emotional exhaustion and burnout. Drawing from flow theory and the Job Demands–Resources (JD-R) model, this research employs the Experience Sampling Method (ESM) to examine how real-time flow experiences relate to subsequent changes in subjective vitality and burnout symptoms. Sixty professionals from cognitively demanding fields participated in a 10-day ESM protocol involving momentary assessments of flow, fatigue, and recovery practices, alongside validated psychological instruments. Anticipated results suggest a curvilinear relationship between flow intensity and burnout, with subjective vitality acting as a mediating factor. Additionally, recovery experiences, job autonomy, and emotional regulation are hypothesized to moderate the flow–burnout pathway. The findings aim to challenge the notion of flow as an unconditionally positive state, highlighting the psychological costs of unmanaged engagement. This research contributes theoretically by integrating dynamic models of motivation with occupational health psychology and offers practical implications for sustainable performance strategies. It calls for organizations and individuals to promote balance between deep engagement and recovery to prevent long-term emotional depletion. Overall, the study offers a nuanced understanding of high-performance states in contemporary work contexts.