Exploring the Relationships Among Little-C, Big-C, and Divergent Thinking: A Resting-State fMRI Study

Abstract

Previous studies tend to focus on two facets of creativity: everyday creativity (little-C) and actual creative achievement (Big-C). While little-C and Big-C both involve divergent thinking (DT), the role of DT in their relationship remains unclear. Here, we assessed the creativity scores of 64 adults, including the Creative Behavior Inventory (CBI), Creative Achievement Questionnaire (CAQ), the Abbreviated Torrance Test for Adults (ATTA), and their resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging data. We subsequently analyzed the functional network dynamics, estimated the mediating effect of divergent thinking on the relationship between little-C and Big-C, and explored whether functional network dynamics moderate their relationship. The results showed that divergent thinking had a mediating effect on the relationship between little-C and Big-C. Dynamic neural activity in the attention and sensorimotor networks was associated with little-C, and the auditory, cognitive, and basal ganglia systems were related to Big-C. The average local efficiency of the default mode network played a moderating role in the relationship between little-C and Big-C. Our findings revealed that everyday creativity and creative achievement are interrelated, with DT playing a key role in their association.