Creativity thrives on training and cultural exposure, not drugs, according to new research.
A rock’n’roll myth has been debunked by researchers who discovered drugs don’t spark creativity.
The University of Essex and Humboldt University of Berlin psychological study has revealed narcotics are the least effective way to inspire imagination.
In a blow to fans of hard-living musicians, writers, and artists, the research found that complex training programs, meditation, and exposure to culture are the best ways to find a muse.
With alcohol and pharmaceutical amphetamines such as Adderall failing to influence inspiration whatsoever.
Training, Meditation, and Cultural Exposure
Dr. Paul Hanel, from Essex’s Department of Psychology, said: “We examined hundreds of papers to uncover the best ways to boost creativity and I hope the findings will help the growing number of people who rely on their creativity to earn a living.
“What worked best were complex training courses, meditation, and cultural exposure such as studying abroad.
“We believe it is a positive message that drugs do not enhance creativity, given the side effects of drugs.”
The study – published today (March 28, 2023) in Psychology of Aesthetics, Creativity, and the Arts – examined the findings including thousands of people to expose the mysteries of creativity.
The research showed training that highlights mental techniques that unpack the creative process has the best long-term impacts.
And discovered mindfulness activities like meditation and open thinking boosted imagination in the short term.
It was also found that visiting different countries and experiencing their cultures unconsciously expands horizons.
Individual Differences in Creative Approaches
However, there is no one-size-fits-all approach for fostering creativity – with people responding better to different situations and techniques.
It is hoped the research will help schools and employers better understand creative thinking.
Dr. Hanel said: “Although it once seemed the preserve of artists, creativity is everywhere in the modern world.
“Everyone from family businesses through to giant companies needs to produce material to show their wares on social media.
“This could be the difference between success or failure for many people and I hope that this study will help them find inspiration.”
The lead author Jennifer Haase from Humboldt University of Berlin added “There are many ways to enhance and encourage creative thinking.
“Creativity is not a skill to be learned and then applied.
“Creativity results much more from a situational fit between the cognitive mindset and the creative challenge.”
Reference: “Creativity enhancement methods for adults: A meta-analysis” by J. Haase, P. H. P. Hanel and N. Gronau, 28 March 2023, Psychology of Aesthetics Creativity and the Arts.
DOI: 10.1037/aca0000557
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5 Comments
I find it utterly weird to test alcohol and amphetamines as creativity enhancers. I don’t think anybody who have ever tried amphetamines and alcohol would think that they are enhancing creativity, quite the contrary. For creativity enhancing properties, researchers should look to LSD, Psylocybin, DMT, Mescaline, or any other drug categorised as a psychedelic. Concluding that drugs in general do not enhance creativity, because amphetamine doesn’t, corresponds to saying that all vehicles are slower than a leopard, because we ran a race between the peel p50 and a leopard, and the leopard won.
I don’t know of anyone ever claiming that alcohol or narcotics enhance creativity.
I have heard that psychedelics do by providing vivid experiences subjects describe as spiritual. Odd the article doesn’t mention those.
Square young lay science lede site, are you sure these are the recommendations for [checks notes] schools and business? Because unions and conferences are going to tack against it.
DudeRandom
Sorry…it was me…I’ve been…using.
It actually … I did see someone…a few of them. This is as close as I came to writing it down other than screenshots….which I need to go through and post….almost 100gigs of them…
Sorry.
Help.
Odd that marijuana isn’t mentioned, as it is the one drug I do find enhances creativity, short term. It’s not a long term solution, but it increases the number of connections between relevant ideas, in my experience.