Creativity and Psychological Well-Being: A Detailed Look

I came across a very interesting article that provides details about the ways in which getting involved in creative activities will help your psychological well-being. It also discusses the development of creativity and how to make yourself more resilient, particularly when going through difficult times.

Link to the podcast: https://screencast-o-matic.com/watch/cqeebp0qLx


Friedman, M. B. (2014). Creativity and Psychological Well-Being. Contemporary Readings in Law and; Social Justice, 6(2), 39–58.

Purpose of the article:  
Look at how creativity contributes to mental health and where it can be most effective.  

Useful findings:  
Instead of holding to the stereotypical connection between madness and creativity, this article points out that creativity actually helps maintain mental health. 

Applicability of the article: 

• Creativity involves cultivating a skill, which increases engagement and leads to a sense of accomplishment.  It satisfies needs for accomplishment, recognition, and affiliation. 
• Artistic activities affirm and validate one’s unique identity and sense of self (and self-worth).
• There are four dimensions of the experience of art that can help one’s mental health
• Cultivating skill:  builds self-efficacy and confidence
• Immersion in activity:  generates the joy and happiness; the process is almost meditative; if done with others, it meets the need for affiliation
• Accomplishment: satisfies the need for recognition, builds sense of identity and self-efficacy
• Connection and celebration: Makes validating and emotions-sharing connections with other people
• Useful strategies for healing for those with anxiety, depression, and more.