A comprehensive approach to study the resting-state brain network related to creative potential

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Cognitive Psychology

Background:

• Traditional creativity studies focus on achievement, not potential.
• Characterizing creative potential requires understanding underlying cognitive and neural mechanisms.

Purpose of the Study:

• To define creative potential by examining cognitive functions and resting-state brain connectivity.
• To model the influence of working memory (WM) and analytical thinking on creativity.

Main Methods:

• Structural equation modeling to construct a cognitive functioning model.
• Assessed creativity using the Torrance Tests of Creative Thinking.
• Examined resting-state functional connectivity in identified high- and low-creative potential groups.

Main Results:

• A high-creative potential group showed a positive correlation between WM and creativity, and negative correlation between analytical thinking and creativity.
• A low-creative potential group showed no correlation between WM and creativity, and a negative correlation between analytical thinking and creativity.
• The high-creative potential group exhibited increased connectivity in the attentional network (AN) and default-mode network (DMN), and decreased connectivity in the salience network (SN).

Conclusions:

• Creative potential is associated with distinct cognitive profiles and brain functional connectivity.
• The attentional network (AN) plays a crucial role in creative potential.
• Findings support cognitive theories linking creativity to attentional processes.