Unpacking the creativity advantage: Lessons from psychology on the benefits of the arts
Hollinger, Molly; Holt, Nicola; Kaufman, James
Authors
Molly Hollinger
Nicola Holt Nicola.Holt@uwe.ac.uk
Associate Professor in Psychology
James Kaufman
Abstract
This chapter draws on psychology to explore the role of the arts for health and wellbeing, particularly on the psychology of creativity and positive psychology. The chapter begins by defining creativity and describing contemporary models of creativity that reflect the different ways that creativity is studied, its application beyond the arts to all areas of life, and the social context in which it occurs. The chapter then draws on positive psychology to articulate define wellbeing and its components, and proceeds to map these on to five benefits of creativity, including self-insight, healing/positive emotions, legacy, drive, and connection. By so doing the chapter describes psychological mechanisms by which involvement with creativity (and the arts) can promote health and wellbeing – the ‘creativity advantage’.
Deposit Date
Mar 10, 2025
Publisher
Routledge
Peer Reviewed
Peer Reviewed
Book Title
Routledge Handbook of Arts and Health
Chapter Number
32
Keywords
creativity, wellbeing, creative advantage, positive psychology, arts and health
