The Effect of Creativity on Emotions and Psychological Well-Being

Abstract

Engaging in creative behaviors may lead to increased positive emotions and enhanced psychological well-being. An association between creativity and positive affect, satisfaction with life, meaningfulness, and self-esteem is apparent from existing literature. The purpose of this study is to further examine these relationships to determine whether performing a creative task causes improved mood and overall well-being. For the study, 329 college students engaged in either a creative or control writing task and then completed self-report measures of emotion, enjoyment, self-esteem, satisfaction with life, and meaning in life. Their perceived creativity of the task, objective creativeness of their work on the task, and effort on the task were also measured. Subjective creativity was found to promote better mood and well-being through its influence on self-esteem and pleasure. This relationship could have implications for improving the overall mental health and happiness of all individuals.