Variability in the effects of mood and cognitive stimulation on creative generation: A task-dependent perspective

Abstract

This research comprises two studies investigating the impact of mood and cognitive stimulation on creativity, with a focus on the role of task type. The first study focused on idea generation, whereas the second explored slogan generation, revealing differing outcomes for distinct tasks. Positive and negative moods were induced through memory recall, and cognitive stimulation was manipulated using cue words in varying quantities. In Study 1, participants were tasked with brainstorming about the advantages and disadvantages of having an extra thumb. The initial hypothesis, proposing that a positive mood and cognitive stimulation enhance ideational fluency, was supported through the flexibility pathway. Study 2 shifted the focus to slogan generation, emphasizing originality, which aligns with the nature of slogan generation. The hypothesis was that mood and cognitive stimulation would not impact fluency but might influence originality. Surprisingly, participants in the negative mood condition generated more slogans, challenging the common belief that positive moods consistently boost creativity. Those without cognitive stimulation also performed better in terms of originality, which is in line with past studies indicating that examples can inhibit originality. In conclusion, this study underscores the intricate and context-dependent nature of creativity, advocating for a nuanced approach to creativity studies.