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Enhancing Well-Being with Values-Flow

Introduction to Values-Flow

Values-Flow integrates flow theory, creativity, and evidence-based therapeutic strategies such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT). Developed and researched over the last 10 years by Dr. Cedomir (Charlie) Ignjatovic, this framework emphasises alignment between personal values and sustained engagement in meaningful activities, promoting psychological flexibility, vitality, and optimal functioning.

Key Insights from Research

Psychological Flexibility and Flow

Psychological flexibility enhances flow experiences by enabling individuals to adapt and commit to meaningful goals. Flow experiences amplify intrinsic motivation and well-being (Ignjatovic et al., 2022a, 2024).

Sustainable Engagement and Creativity Dialectics

Recent work expands upon traditional flow theory by emphasizing creativity dialectics, which balance key tensions such as playfulness versus discipline and energy versus quietude. These dialectics foster sustainable happiness practices in coaching and psychotherapy (Ignjatovic et al., 2023).

Practical Tools for Implementation

Tools like the Values-Flow Diary Cards guide individuals in homework completion and creativity skills practice, emphasizing the integration of flow and values-based behaviours (Ignjatovic et al., 2022a, 2023).

Applications

Values-Flow enhances:

Therapeutic Outcomes

Providing creative, systemic approaches to practicing therapy skills outside of sessions.

Workplace Well-Being

Promoting strengths use, intrinsic motivation, and engagement in professional settings.

Everyday Life

Balancing personal growth, creative challenges, and self-care practices.

References

Ignjatovic, C., Kern, M. L., & Oades, L. G. (2021). Flow support at work: Examining the relationship between strengths use and flow at work among school staff over a three-year period. Journal of Happiness Studies, 23(2), 455–475. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10902-021-00409-x
Ignjatovic, C., Kern, M. L., & Oades, L. G. (2022). The VIVA sustainable work engagement model: A conceptual introduction and preliminary test over three years. International Journal of Applied Positive Psychology, 7(2), 251–270. https://doi.org/10.1007/s41042-022-00064-4
Ignjatovic, C., Kern, M. L., & Oades, L. G. (2022a). Values-Flow in contextual psychotherapy: The ‘what,’ ‘why,’ and ‘how’ of sustainable values-based behavior. In M. Kern & J. Williams (Eds.), Happiness: Biopsychosocial and anthropological perspectives (pp. 1-19). IntechOpen. https://doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.106594
Ignjatovic, C., Kern, M. L., Allen, M. K., & Delle Fave, A. (2024). Does positive climate moderate the relationship of strengths use and knowledge with flow at work? A three-year study. The Journal of Positive Psychology. https://doi.org/10.1080/17439760.2024.2431698
Ignjatovic, C., Delle Fave, A., & Kern, M. L. (2023). Values-Flow and creativity dialectics: Vital engagement and optimal development across the lifespan. Post-Conference Workshop at the International Positive Psychology Association Congress.

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