Cortical Spectral Dynamics in Flow and Frustration

Abstract

Flow is a subjective state where tasks feel effortless and rewarding. It has been linked to distinct neural signatures, yet dynamics of these signals remain poorly understood. Here, we investigated spectral dynamics of brain activity in flow. We recorded electroencephalogram (EEG) data at positions AF7, AF8, TP9, and TP10 using a lightweight wearable device worn by ten adult participants while they completed a go-signal task and two stop-signal tasks. Task difficulty was continuously adjusted to induce either a sense of flow or frustration. Time-resolved spectral power and interregional coherence were extracted with continuous wavelet and wavelet coherence transforms; subjective flow was assessed after each block with the short-form Flow-State Scale. Subjective ratings confirmed that the flow and frustration conditions diverged in perception of flow. In the flow block, errors on stop trials coincided with pre-stimulus reductions in right temporoparietal gamma power and frontal beta and gamma power, alongside diminished frontotemporal gamma coherence. Comparison of flow and frustration revealed higher temporal beta power during frustration, consistent with greater cognitive load. Flow may involve finely balanced beta and gamma dynamics, and brief collapses of these rhythms may predict task errors. Spectral dynamics are actionable features for closed-loop engagement monitoring applications.