Previous studies have reported positive associations of physical activity (or daily body movement) with executive functions, with some even showing effects on creative thinking. In addition, positive-activated affect (e.g., smiling and affectionate behavior) has been found to be positively associated with daily body movement and creativity. However, the mechanisms underlying these associations are poorly understood. The aim of this study from the Institute of Psychology in Graz/Austria was, firstly, to investigate whether everyday body movements are associated with creative performance. Secondly, to investigate whether positive-activated affect can mediate the relationship between physical movement and creative performance.
In a sample of 79 participants, everyday body movement was recorded on five consecutive days using accelerometers. Creativity in the figural and verbal domains was assessed with performance tests, along with self-reported positive-activated affect as a trait. The results showed that creativity, positive-activated affect and daily physical activity were associated with each other. However, positive-activated affect did not mediate the association between daily physical activity and creative performance. The pattern of findings suggests a common variance between physical movement and creativity (fluency and originality) that is largely independent of variations in positive-activated affect.
