Unlocking Flow Through Mindfulness: A Systematic review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Flow, a state of deep absorption, is linked to enhanced performance and well-being.Mindfulness, emphasizing present-moment awareness, may promote flow. Thissystematic-review and meta-analysis examined the impact of mindfulness-basedinterventions (MBIs) on flow in randomized controlled trials (RCTs). FollowingPRISMA guidelines, PubMed, Scopus, ProQuest, and Google Scholar were last searchedin January 2024. Inclusion criteria followed PICOS: MBIs lasting≥1 week, validated flowassessment and control comparisons. Exclusion criteria were non-peer-reviewed, non-RCT designs, and clinical populations. Cochrane’s RoB2 assessed risk of bias. EightRCTs (293 participants, 52% female) met inclusion criteria. The random-effects metaanalysisshowed a positive effect of MBIs on flow outcomes (SMD = 0.777, 95%CI=[0.505,1.049], p<0.0001), with low heterogeneity (I²=22.59%, PI=[0.3230,1.2314]).Publication bias was minimal, as indicated by Egger’s test (p=0.108) and trim-and-fillanalyses. Although 50% of the included studies were rated as high risk of bias, sensitivityanalyses did not reveal significant deviations from mean effect. Studies suggest that MBIssignificantly enhance flow state and trait, possibly by enhancing attention, presentmomentawareness and reducing self-critical thoughts. However, small sample sizes andhigh risk of bias warrant caution. Future research should investigate dose-response,follow-up effects, and ensure a rigorous assessment of bias risk and evidence synthesis.