On the Personality, Neurobiology, and Cognition of Creativity

Abstract

This article describes the major results from investigations of the neuropsychology, personality, and cognition of creativity. Extreme groups, high and low in creativity were selected by the Creative Functioning Test (CFT). They were tested on anxiety and defense mechanisms. Regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) was measured during three tasks: Automatic speech, word fluency (FAS), and unusual uses (Brick). The high creative group had more anxiety, more projection, and higher defense sum, than the low creative group. Defense sum was positively correlated with CFT fluency. Differences between groups were found in all prefrontal regions, when blood flows during FAS and during Brick were compared. The high creative group had bilateral increases, or no change, while the low creative group had decreases. The results were discussed in terms of higher basal arousal in creative people, a creative defensive style, and interactions between complementary brain areas.