Experiencing more meaningful coincidences is associated with more real-life creativity? Insights from three empirical studies

Abstract

Literature suggests a link between creativity and the perception of meaningful patterns in random arrangements, which is coined apophenia, patternicity, synchronicity, or the experience of meaningful coincidences. However, empirical research did not establish a clear link between real-life creativity and the experience of meaningful coincidences. In this three-study approach, we consistently found a connection between the experience of meaningful coincidences and creative activities as well as creative achievements. However, we did not obtain a consistent link with openness to experience or with peoples’ creative potential. By applying an internet daily diary approach, we found that the experience of meaningful coincidences fluctuates from day to day and that the number of perceived coincidences is associated with positive and negative affect. A third preregistered study showed that positive and negative affect might not serve as a strong mechanism that mediates the link between meaningful coincidences and real-life creative activities. We need further research to explore the reason for this robust link between meaningful coincidences and real-life creativity.

MRI resting-state signature of the propensity to experience meaningful coincidences: a functional coupling analysis

“…However, the effects are not large enough to justify simple and overselling interpretations in terms of reduced cognitive capacities. When evaluating our findings, it is important to hold in mind that the propensity to perceive meaningful coincidences is a personality trait which also serves positive trajectories such as more everyday creative activities and more self-rated creative achievements ( Rominger et al. 2024 ), as well as mediation ( Butzer et al.…”