Linking Self-Construal to Creativity: The Role of Approach Motivation and Cognitive Flexibility

Abstract

While some evidence has linked the way individuals define themselves in relation to others (independent versus interdependent self-construal) to creativity, little is known about the underlying mechanism in explaining why and how self-construal influences creativity. Integrating approach-avoidance motivation theory and the dual pathway to creativity model, this research focuses on the motivational and cognitive mechanisms that transfer the effects of self-construal on creativity. Specifically, we expect that independent self-construal is a driver of creativity because it facilitates individuals’ approach motivation, which in turn increases flexible information processing. To test the three-stage mediation model, one experiment and one survey study were conducted. In Study 1, in a sample of 231 Dutch students, self-construal was manipulated by a story-writing task; approach-avoidance motivation, cognitive flexibility, and creativity were measured. In Study 2, self-construal, approach (and avoidance) motivation, cognitive flexibility, and creativity were all measured in a second sample of Dutch students (N = 146). The results of two studies supported the three-stage mediation model, showing that approach motivation and cognitive flexibility together mediated the effects of self-construal on creativity. Limitations and implications for future research are discussed.

Employees’ career mindsets as career capital for a digital work world orientation

“…We draw from both principles of career capital theory (DeFillippi & Arthur, 1994) and approach-motivation theory (Elliot, 2006;Shao et al, 2018) to elucidate the notion of distance learning employees' work world orientation in relation to their career mindsets. Individuals' approach towards a situational context is generally activated or invigorated by intrinsic motivations associated with their 'knowing why' and 'knowing what' career capitals that direct their responses towards stimuli in the external environment.…”

“…'Knowing what' career capital alludes to the activation of approach-motivation that results in individuals evaluating the environment as benign and proffering positive stimuli and possibilities for achieving success (Jones & DeFilippi, 1996). Research shows links between a state of approach motivation and cognitive flexibility and originality towards external stimuli (Shao et al, 2018).…”

Perceived Work Uncertainty and Creativity During the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Roles of Zhongyong and Creative Self-Efficacy

“…Little research has examined the relationship between Zhongyong and creativity, and the results of a few studies have been mixed. Some research has found that employees with low levels of Zhongyong exhibit low levels of creativity because they are more rigid in their thinking, which goes against the flexibility needed for creativity (Shao et al, 2018). Similarly, some research has found a positive relationship between high levels of Zhongyong and creativity (e.g., Zhou et al, 2020).…”

Effect of Intrinsic Motivation on Junior High School Students’ Creativity: Mediating Role of Cognitive Flexibility

“…In this context, it is likely that middle school students who have intrinsic motivation as a personality trait may enhance their creativity by improving their cognitive flexibility. According to Shao et al (2018), flexible processing plays an essential role between a motivational approach and creativity, and Baas et al (2011a) observe that the motivational approach generally boosts creativity because it is associated with enhanced CF. Earlier researchers have highlighted the role of intrinsic motivation in creativity, but how and why IM is linked to creativity is fragmented in the existing literature.…”