Influence Factors of College Students' Creativity: The Effect of Self-Esteem and Motivation

This study attempted to examine the influence of self-esteem and learning motivation for college students' creativity. Data was obtained from 530 students in 11 schools of 7 cities in China. From the results: (1) self-esteem (self-competence and self-liking) has a significantly positive influence on creativity; (2) IM (internal motivation) and SEM (synergistic external motivation) have significantly positive influences on creativity; (3) IM mediates the relationship between SEM and creativity, IM mediates the relationship between self-competence and creativity; (4) N-SEM (non-synergistic external motivation) moderated the relationship between self-esteem and creativity. When the level of individual self-esteem is higher, the higher N-SEM has a stronger promoting effect on creativity. Thus, self-esteem and motivation both impact on creativity, and constitute a dynamic cycle system of creativity which improving constantly. Implications of this study are further discussed.