Is Engagement in Physical Activity and Creative Activity Mutually Exclusive? An Evaluation of General and Domain- Specific Relationships

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between physical activity and creative behaviors. A random sample of 612 college students, ages 18-35, enrolled at a large Southeastern university, were recruited via an anonymous email invitation. Creative behaviors were assessed via two self-report questionnaires, includingthe Kaufman Domains of Creativity Scale (K-DOCS) and the Biographical Inventory of Creative Behaviors (BICB). Self-reported physical activity habits were assessed with the Physical Activity Vital Sign (PAVS) questionnaire. One-week test–retest reliability was established on 10% of the participants.Of the multiple regression analyses that were conducted to examine the hypothesized relation-ship, between physical activity and creative activities, physical activity participation did not meaningfully influence domain-general or domain-specific creative activities. Additional selected independent variables, such as degree of exercise enjoyment and academic major were statistically significantly associated with self-reported creative activities. This study serves to identify more inclusive, yet parsimonious research hypotheses to further scientific knowledge in this under-investigated area.