Creativity is associated with higher well-being and more positive COVID-19 experience

We investigated whether creativity is associated with higher well-being and more positive COVID-19 experience. Participants (N = 252) filled out a creativity measure during the COVID-19 pandemic, they rated their positive affect and stress experience in the last month, their satisfaction with life, and indicated the extent to which they perceived COVID-19 as a positive experience. More creative individuals were more satisfied with their lives after controlling for perceived stress and personality. Results of a serial mediation showed that creativity fostered more positive emotions, which lowered perceived stress, which then led to a more positive COVID-19 experience. Findings add to the literature showing the beneficial effects of creativity on well-being, and point to the utility of introducing interventions that would promote creative thinking to improve quality of life and resilience to life adversities.

Automated summary

This study examined the association between creativity, well-being, and positive COVID-19 experience. The results showed that individuals with higher levels of creativity reported higher life satisfaction, even after controlling for perceived stress and personality. The findings also indicated that creativity fostered positive emotions, which in turn reduced perceived stress and led to a more positive COVID-19 experience.