Abstract
The relationship between mood states and state creativity has long been investigated. Exploring individual differences may provide additional important information to further our understanding of the complex mood-creativity relationship. The present study explored the state-level mood-creativity relationship from the perspective of trait creativity. We employed the experience sampling method (ESM) in a cohort of 56 college students over five consecutive days. The participants reported their state creativity on originality and usefulness dimensions at six random points between 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m., along with a 10-item concurrent mood state report. Their trait creativity was measured by the Guildford Alternative Uses Test (AUT) and the Remote Associates Test (RAT). We found moderating effects of the participants' trait creativity on their state-level mood-creativity relationship. Specifically, whereas the positive correlation between positive mood state and originality of state creativity was stronger for the participants with higher AUT flexibility scores, stronger positive correlations between negative mood state and originality of state creativity were observed for individuals with higher AUT originality scores. Our findings provide evidence in support of introducing individual differences to achieve a more comprehensive understanding of the mood-creativity link. The results could be of practical value, in developing individualized mood state regulation strategies for promoting state creativity.
Highlights
Creativity, the ability to develop novel and useful ideas, has been suggested as the key driving force behind scientific, technological, and cultural innovation [1,2]
There was a positive correlation between positive affect (PA) and Remote Associates Test (RAT) score (r = .27, p = .048) and a positive correlation between the two-state creativity ratings as well
The positive correlation between positive mood state and originality of state creativity was stronger for the participants with higher Alternative Uses Test (AUT) flexibility scores
Summary
Creativity, the ability to develop novel and useful ideas, has been suggested as the key driving force behind scientific, technological, and cultural innovation [1,2]. Studies have reported a multi-dimensional construct of trait creativity. One of the most wellstudied dimensions is the ability of divergent thinking, which refers to the generation of multiple ideas or solutions for a single problem [6] Another trait that recently received increasing attention is convergent thinking ability, which is associated with finding a single solution to a problem in an analytical and deductive way [7].
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