Emotion/Affect

Abstract

Emotion/affect processes involve feeling distinct from cognition. Although creativity scholars have long recognized the importance of affect in the creative process, only recently has research investigated the role of affect in creativity. A creative act results in a creative product that is both useful (according to the criteria of the domain) and novel. A number of cognitive, affective, and personality processes are involved in a creative act. Researchers have reached a consensus about which cognitive and personality processes are important in creativity. There is less research about which affective processes are important in creativity, but there is some converging evidence. This article summarizes the current thinking in the field about what those affective processes are, how they relate to creative cognitive and personality processes, and how they are involved in different domains of creativity. The measurement and manipulation of affect are necessary to carry-out research. Both measurement and manipulation of affect are complex events that require careful procedures. The development of affective processes is important in the development of creativity. Children's play is one arena where affective processes do develop, and therefore play is an important research area. Mood and creativity is another important area of investigation. The area of creativity and psychopathology also tells us about the role of affect in creativity. As we learn more about what kinds of affective processes are involved in creativity, how they work and how they develop, then we can apply these principles to fostering creativity in children and adults.