Fostering Creativity through Mindfulness as Mediated by Stress Reduction and Positive Affect

Abstract

The present study tested for an association between mindfulness and both divergent and convergent creativity. We consider possible mechanisms by which such a relationship could exist and possible variables that could mediate it. We tested for an association by correlating initial mindfulness scores with insight problem solving ability and performance on tests of divergent creativity (unusual use tasks). We attempted to assess causality by testing for the presence of a change in performance on tests of creativity from before to after mindfulness meditation. The performance of individuals who mindfully meditated was compared to those who engaged in a control task (an n-back). Mindfulness and mindfulness meditation were almost universally unrelated to all measurements of creativity. The potential of a lack of a relationship as well as methodological concerns are explored.