7 - Healing
from Part II - The Benefits of Creativity
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 27 July 2023
Summary
Creativity is connected to healing in many different ways. Creative people are more likely to experience post-traumatic growth or beneficial psychological changes that come in the aftermath of trauma. Creative activities can also help maintain emotional equilibrium. The cognitive reappraisal of seemingly negative events is associated with divergent thinking. Notably, the act of drawing, writing, or making music simply for the pleasure of the act can improve one’s mood by helping reduce sadness, anxiety, and anger. Even passively engaging in the arts can improve one’s mood and stave off potential cognitive decline.
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- The Creativity Advantage , pp. 96 - 112Publisher: Cambridge University PressPrint publication year: 2023