Developing Psychological Enablers and Inhibitors of Creativity

Abstract

In this chapter classical, jazz, and traditional musicians from Cape Town to Helsinki to Los Angeles express how psychological factors can lead to major hurdles in being creative. Two main psychological inhibitors are anxiety and self-perception of lacking potential, which impact motivation at four levels. Multiple sociocultural factors can influence an individual’s anxiety level, self-image, and motivation. The chapter analyzes how these psychological enablers and inhibitors of creativity are shaped by (1) different cultures’ beliefs about talent and potential; (2) identification and relationships with role models, mentors, and peers; (3) formal assessment by authority figures, informal feedback from peers, and self-judgment; and (4) values and attitudes related to perfectionism, making mistakes, and originality.