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Outside advantage: can social rejection fuel creative thought?
Sharon H Kim1, Lynne C Vincent2, Jack A Goncalo2
1Carey Business School.
Journal of Experimental Psychology. General
|August 15, 2012
Summary
Social rejection can boost creativity, but only for individuals with an independent self-concept. This effect is driven by feelings of being different from others, suggesting self-concept influences creative responses to exclusion.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Social Psychology
- Creativity Studies
Background:
- Anecdotal evidence suggests social rejection fuels creativity across diverse fields.
- The underlying psychological mechanisms linking social rejection and creativity remain largely unexplored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between social rejection and creativity.
- To test the moderating role of self-concept and the mediating role of differentiation mindset.
Main Methods:
- Three empirical studies were conducted.
- Participants' self-concept (independent vs. interdependent) was assessed.
- Creative performance was measured following social rejection or inclusion manipulations.
Main Results:
- Individuals with an independent self-concept exhibited enhanced creativity after social rejection compared to inclusion.
- This creativity boost was mediated by a differentiation mindset, characterized by heightened feelings of being distinct.
Conclusions:
- Social rejection can stimulate creativity, contingent upon an individual's independent self-concept.
- The findings highlight the role of self-concept and differentiation mindset in shaping responses to social exclusion.
- Future research should explore cultural influences on self-concept and its impact on creativity.
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