Take some time to think this over: The relation between rumination, indecision, and creativity

Joseph R. Cohen, Joseph R. Ferrari

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Because rumination may allow an idea to stay in one's conscious longer and indecision may result in more time on a given task, it was expected that these two cognitive processes may predict creativity. Self-report measures of rumination, indecision, and creativity were electronically distributed to 85 adults (28 men, 57 women; M age = 32.96 years old). Reflective rumination significantly predicted creativity, moderated by high levels of indecision. This study may resolve previous conflicts between findings on rumination and creativity and introduces indecision as beneficial in the creative process. This study also provided important clinical implications in distinguishing between adaptive and maladaptive rumination suggesting a new cognitive link between creativity and depression.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)68-73
Number of pages6
JournalCreativity Research Journal
Volume22
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Feb 2010
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Visual Arts and Performing Arts
  • Developmental and Educational Psychology
  • Psychology (miscellaneous)

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