Which neurotransmitter is associated with feelings of pleasure and reward during the flow state?

Dopamine is the neurotransmitter closely linked to feelings of pleasure and reward, particularly during what is known as the flow state. This mental state, characterized by complete immersion and focused engagement in an activity, often leads to heightened experiences of satisfaction and enjoyment. When individuals achieve a flow state, dopamine is released, reinforcing the pleasure associated with the activity and increasing motivation to engage in it again.

In contrast, while serotonin plays a role in mood regulation, it is not as directly associated with the intense feelings of pleasure experienced in the flow state. Cortisol, often referred to as a stress hormone, tends to be involved in the body's response to stress rather than pleasure or reward. Norepinephrine is linked to arousal and alertness but does not specifically evoke the rewarding feelings tied to dopamine. Thus, dopamine's function in the brain’s reward system makes it central to the experience of flow and the associated feelings of pleasure.