Mood's effect on group creativity

Nicole E Iannone, Purdue University

Abstract

The limited literature on mood and group creativity provides inconclusive results. Broaden and Build theory suggests that positive moods may encourage fluency and flexibility of ideas due to broadened thoughts. However, negative moods may be more associated with depth of exploration due to a narrowed focus of attention. Members of three-person groups had positive, neutral, or negative moods induced, performed an unusual uses creativity task, and then answered questions regarding their interaction and performance. Groups whose members were in negative moods often demonstrated more positive group processes (e.g., greater persistence, less distraction) than groups whose members were in neutral moods. Additionally, groups whose members were in positive moods sometimes demonstrated more positive group processes than groups whose members were in neutral moods.

Degree

M.S.

Advisors

Kelly, Purdue University.

Subject Area

Social psychology

COinS