Optimal experience and optimal identity: A multinational examination at the personal identity level

The present chapter provides evidence for the association between fl ow and identity via quantitative examinations based on Eudaimonistic identity theory, where an individual is seen to recognize elements of his or her true self, including interests, talents, and abilities, through participating in a range of personally salient (identity-related) and therein self-defi ning activities. Specifi cally, salient characteristics of activity experiences, i.e., feelings of personal expressiveness and fl ow, are seen to facilitate an individual’s personal growth in the process of solidifying selfdefi nition. On these bases, a relationship between fl ow experience and personal identity strength is hypothesized and confi rmed via a multinational investigation, in which identity consolidation is observed to be facilitated through the participation in self-defi ning activities that are platforms to optimal experience. In sum, the present investigation makes a cohesive case for the relationship between subjective experiences of fl ow and sense of self-identifi cation. Finally, further and ongoing research directions are outlined.