The effect of self-expansion on creativity: Examining the role of novelty experiences

Drawing on self-expansion theory and the research on creativity, this study explored the relationship between self-expansion and creativity. Self-expansion refers to an expanded sense of self and of the world gained through new experiences. We hypothesized that self-expansion would promote creativity through its ability to foster positive affect and self-efficacy. Two studies were conducted to test this hypothesis. Study 1 involved college students (N = 331), while Study 2 recruited employees from a range of occupations (N = 323). Creativity was assessed using both subjective (self-report) and objective (divergent thinking test) measures. The results showed that self-expansion was positively related to creativity after controlling for demographic factors. In addition, positive affect and self-efficacy partially mediated this relationship. Notably, the effect of self-expansion on creativity was found to be influenced by job roles in Study 2. Employees in positions requiring more creativity had a stronger positive association between self-expansion and creativity than those in less creative positions. Additionally, the mechanisms through which self-expansion impacts creativity appear to differ depending on position type. Overall, the findings empirically support the proposition that self-expansion, arising from novel experiences, can boost individual creativity, in part by cultivating positive psychological states conducive to idea generation and problem solving. The theoretical and practical implications of the study are discussed. Copyright © 2024 American Psychological Association.