Creativity results from the inner attitude - drugs have no positive influence

(Image: Pixabay CC0) - A study shows: Diversity of methods leads to improvement of creative cognitive abilities There are many ways to positively influence and promote creative thinking. Scientists at Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin (HU), Essex University in the UK, and the University of Potsdam have conducted a study to find out how creativity can be improved. The authors analyzed 84 international studies, mainly from the field of psychology from 2000 to 2021, which attempted to improve creativity using various methods. Of twelve methods identified, extensive, time-intensive trainings were particularly effective. Over a period of several weeks, they taught the concept of creativity as well as a range of methods, such as association exercises or brainwriting, to apply in different situations. In addition, meditation, cultural exposure through stays abroad and free association techniques in particular provide a comparable increase - and that with comparatively little effort. The use of drugs such as marijuana, the drug Adderall or alcohol has, contrary to the assumption of many, no positive influence on creative performance.