The flow experience in university.

Flow—a state of optimal experience characterized by deep immersion and psychological fulfillment—has predominantly been examined within individual, competitive, or athletic domains. However, its potential when induced in non-performance group settings to support general mental health remains under-explored. This study evaluated the efficacy of a novel, short-term intervention specifically designed to foster Group Flow and elevate Flourishing among higher education students. Delivered across four structured sessions totaling 13 hours, the training combined continuous mindfulness practice with introspective-exploratory exercises that systematically built personal and interpersonal connectedness before progressing to whole-group activities. The program was delivered to a diverse sample of 24 university students (N = 24) from the "Rinaldo Franci" Conservatory of Siena and the Bachelor’s program in Psychological Sciences and Techniques at the University of Urbino "Carlo Bo". Utilizing a pre-post quantitative framework, outcomes were measured using the Flow Short Scale (FSS) and the Flourishing Scale (FS), with mean differences evaluated via paired-samples t-tests. These quantitative metrics were complemented by post-intervention assessments of perceived learning and enjoyment, as well as a three-month follow-up focus group. Paired t-tests demonstrated statistically significant improvements from baseline in both self-reported Flow (p < 0.05) and overall Flourishing (p < 0.05). Qualitative findings strongly aligned with these quantitative results, revealing sustained positive shifts in participants' self-perception and relational efficacy. These preliminary outcomes suggest that structured Group Flow facilitation is a highly viable intervention model. Integrating such programs into university curricula offers a promising avenue for cultivating transversal skills, proactively promoting student mental health, and unlocking internal psychological resources.