Enhancing creativity through mental contrasting in Japanese participants

Abstract

This study examines the effects of mental contrasting on creativity among Japanese participants. Specifically, it tests the hypothesis that mental contrasting promotes creative performance in Japanese individuals when they receive negative feedback, reducing the likelihood of goal attainment. Additionally, it explores whether cognitive flexibility and cognitive persistence mediate this mechanism. Participants were adults (N = 432, age range 18-60). The Unusual Uses Task was used to assess their creativity. Results supported the hypothesis that mental contrasting positively affects creativity in Japanese participants facing difficulties achieving goals. Furthermore, results suggested that cognitive flexibility and cognitive persistence mediate the process by which mental contrasting enhances creative performance. The study discusses the potential of mental contrasting as a novel and effective strategy for improving creativity, distinct from traditional creativity training methods.