Just Open Your Mind? A Randomized, Controlled Study on the Effects of Meditation on Creativity

Abstract

Creativity is a crucial prerequisite for innovation, successful problem solving, and self-expression, but how do we affect creative thinking in a positive way? The present study investigated the effects of open monitoring meditation (OMM) on creativity. We proposed that OMM will benefit creativity in metaphor production by cognitive flexibility (CF) enhancement. In the main study, participants were randomly assigned to one of the three groups: meditation, active, and passive controls. The first two groups performed an audio-guided task (real meditation or a narrative on house plants) for 2 weeks, and the third one had no task. Pre- and post-tests included measures of metaphor production, CF, state, sustained attention, attention shifting, and intelligence. We found no significant intra- or intergroup differences that would suggest OMM effects on creativity. Further, no links were found between measures of metaphor creativity and CF. Findings reveal potential challenges of using meditation as a cognitive enhancement tool. Methodological issues concerning meditation research, as well as creativity and CF measures, are discussed.

Beyond the Limitations of Binary Thinking: Mindfulness and the Tetralemma

“…Findings in current research on the impact of mindfulness on cognitive flexibility are mixed (Lee & Orsillo 2014, p. 209; see also Bashmakova and Shcherbakova 2021), showing that more research is needed in this area. For the time being, however, several of the relevant studies dedicated to researching this relationship offer interesting reflections on the nature of mindfulness.…”