Predicting Creative Outcomes from Affective and Motivational Changes

Laura S. Fletcher

Advisor: Lois E Tetrick, PhD, Department of Psychology

Committee Members: Reeshad Dalal, Stephen Zaccaro

Online Location, #2084
May 05, 2020, 12:00 PM to 02:00 PM

Abstract:

Using regulatory focus theory (Higgins, 1998) and personality systems interaction (PSI) theory (Kuhl, 2000), this study examined how daily changes in affect and regulatory focus states can predict the amounts of novelty and usefulness of ideas developed and selected during the creative process. In addition, this study compared whether changes in regulatory focus function similarly to the way in which affective shifts have been found to influence creative outcomes (Yang et al., 2016). Results from a 10-day experience sampling method (ESM) study (N=461) suggest that although daily changes in affect are related to changes in daily regulatory focus, there was a stronger relationship between changes in affect and state regulatory focus later in the day. No evidence was found that state regulatory focus related to the amount of novelty or usefulness of ideas generated or selected during the creative process. The contributions to the creativity, affective, and motivational literatures, along with practical implications, are discussed.