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8 - Connection

from Part II - The Benefits of Creativity

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  27 July 2023

James C. Kaufman
James C. Kaufman
Affiliation:
University of Connecticut
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Summary

Can creativity make you feel connected to other people? Terror management theory, which addresses the existential dread associated with death, suggests that the answer is no. But I push back against this view and highlight an array of studies and theories that point to many ways in which creativity can bring us together. First I discuss the museum effect, which indicates that experiencing the arts makes us feel connected to other people and the world. Next I discuss creativity’s association with friendships, positive working relationships, and even romance. Finally I explore a cluster of traits associated with creativity, including openness, perspective taking, and cognitive flexibility, which are also related to reduced prejudice and stereotyping. Nurturing creativity may be a way to increase equity.

Keywords

cognitive flexibilitycreativitydeath anxietyequitymeaningmuseum effectopennessperspective takingterror management theory tolerance
Type
Chapter
Information
The Creativity Advantage , pp. 113 - 124
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2023

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  • Connection
  • James C. Kaufman, University of Connecticut
  • Book: The Creativity Advantage
  • Online publication: 27 July 2023
  • Chapter DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/9781009244541.012
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  • Connection
  • James C. Kaufman, University of Connecticut
  • Book: The Creativity Advantage
  • Online publication: 27 July 2023
  • Chapter DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/9781009244541.012
Available formats
×

Save book to Google Drive

To save content items to your account, please confirm that you agree to abide by our usage policies. If this is the first time you use this feature, you will be asked to authorise Cambridge Core to connect with your account. Find out more about saving content to Google Drive.

  • Connection
  • James C. Kaufman, University of Connecticut
  • Book: The Creativity Advantage
  • Online publication: 27 July 2023
  • Chapter DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/9781009244541.012
Available formats
×