The association between trauma exposure and creativity: The roles of trait resilience and psychological richness

Abstract

While previous research has predominantly concentrated on the immediate impact of trauma on creativity, the current study delves into the enduring impact of traumatic experiences on creative thinking and behaviors. Moreover, this investigation explores the potential roles that trait resilience and psychological richness may play in the interplay between trauma and creativity. The data collection process involved administering questionnaires to assess participants’ trauma history, psychological richness, trait resilience, and creative activities and achievements. Additionally, the Alternative Uses Test was utilized to evaluate creative thinking. This study gathered data from a sample of 649 college students (228 males and 421 females). Findings from the path analysis model reveal that: (1) exposure to trauma can positively predict the four facets of creativity — fluency (β = 0.146), originality (β = 0.193), engagement in creative activities (β = 0.170), and creative accomplishments (β = 0.200); (2) trait resilience is positively related to both fluency (β = 0.198) and originality (β = 0.185), and it serves as a moderator in the relationship between trauma exposure and creative accomplishments and activities; and (3) psychological richness acts as a mediator in the effects of trauma exposure on originality (β = 0.012), creative accomplishments (β = 0.014), and the frequency of creative activities (β = 0.025). By extending the scope of existing research on trauma and creativity, this study offers valuable insights into the development of effective psychological interventions for individuals coping with trauma's aftermath.