Researchers at the University of Georgia Mary Frances Early College of Education analysed daily reports from over 100 college students to see how emotions and other factors relate to creativity. Lead author Sakhavat Mammadov, an associate professor of educational psychology, says positive emotions and creativity appear to support each other: when people are more creative, they tend to feel better, and when they feel positive they tend to be more creative.
Students kept daily diaries for weeks and recorded feelings and creative behaviours such as drawing, writing and playing music. Those who felt more content also reported more willingness to try creative tasks, including writing a poem or cooking a new recipe. Mammadov describes everyday creativity as 'any activity that is new and useful without recognition needed from society' and says learning and practice count as creative work.
The study found that feeling autonomous and capable was linked with more creative engagement. Frustration with external stressors sometimes increased creative actions, because people sought activities they could control, like reading. Sad or angry feelings did not necessarily reduce creative output, and overall intelligence did not determine creative engagement. The team suggests that emotion regulation and well-being may matter more than some stable traits.
Difficult words
- enhance — To improve or make better.
- engagement — The act of participating or being involved.
- motivate — To cause someone to act or do something.
- hinder — To make something difficult or slow down.
- cultivate — To develop or improve something over time.
- expression — The way of showing thoughts or feelings.
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- How do you think positive emotions can enhance creativity in your life?
- Can negative emotions sometimes help in being creative? Why or why not?
- What environments do you think foster positive emotions for creativity?
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