Identity fluidity: a novel explanatory construct for flow and dissociation

The paper discusses a novel construct, “identity fluidity,” as an explanatory paradigm for both flow and dissociation, particularly in the context of dance. The author argues that flow and dissociation may be the result of a shared psychological phenomena in different degrees and in opposite directions. Both may involve and be the result of a change in self-conception, where the border between self and other is malleable. The author proposes that flow may be the result of an expanding subjectivity that includes objects of focus. Dissociation may be the result of a contracting subjectivity which objectifies parts normally included in self. Both extremes require a malleable sense of self and this malleability the author calls “identity fluidity.” Using questionnaires and Giorgi's phenomenological approach, the author uses a mix methods design, yielding several plausible hypotheses. Each suggests identity fluidity may have both explanatory power and therapeutic relevance.