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Creativity, Boredom Proneness and Well-Being in the Pandemic
Nicholaus P Brosowsky1, Nathaniel Barr2, Jhotisha Mugon3
1Department of Psychology, University of Manitoba, 190 Dysart Rd., Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada.
Behavioral Sciences (Basel, Switzerland)
|March 24, 2022
Summary
Engaging in everyday creative activities during pandemic lockdowns improved well-being. Increased creativity correlated with higher self-esteem and optimism, while less creativity was linked to depression and anxiety.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Well-being Studies
- Pandemic Research
Background:
- Social isolation and lockdown measures during the pandemic negatively impacted global well-being.
- Understanding individual differences in coping mechanisms is crucial for mental health.
- Trait dispositions like boredom proneness and self-regulation may influence well-being outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between boredom proneness, self-regulation, and well-being during the early pandemic.
- To determine if engaging in everyday creative pursuits could mitigate negative well-being effects.
- To explore the role of everyday creativity as a protective factor against psychological distress.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study design utilizing data collected early in the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Assessment of trait dispositions including boredom proneness and self-regulation.
- Measurement of well-being indicators such as self-esteem, optimism, positive and negative affect, depression, and anxiety.
Main Results:
- Individuals who increased engagement in everyday creative activities reported higher well-being.
- Higher creative engagement was associated with greater self-esteem, optimism, and positive affect.
- Lower engagement in creative pursuits correlated with increased depression, anxiety, boredom proneness, and negative affect.
Conclusions:
- Everyday creativity serves as a potential buffer against poor well-being in restrictive circumstances.
- Promoting engagement in creative pursuits can be an adaptive coping strategy for psychological distress.
- Everyday creativity, distinct from expertise, demonstrates a positive association with psychological well-being.
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