Does Stress Kill Creativity?

"Research shows that different kinds of stress tend to clump together. Effects of stress on creativity depend on resources we have to motivate us. Passion for one's work and ability to voice opinions and ideas at work can counteract the effects of stress. Even an average level of resources can prevent negative effects of stress. Stress is uncomfortable. It can physically tense us and strain the mind."

"Psychologists have started studying the effects of stress on creativity by asking the basic question of whether mere presence of something stressful (what scientists call stressors) makes a difference for how well people can think creatively. In the laboratory, scientists created stressful situations by exposing people to physical (e.g., noise) or psychological stressors (e.g., telling them their performance would be evaluated). The research has showed that being exposed to psychological stressors, especially anticipating evaluation, can have negative consequences for creative thinking."

Different kinds of stress tend to cluster together. Stress can physically tense the body and strain the mind, and chronic stress harms well-being. Effects of stress on creativity depend on the psychological and job resources available to a person. Psychological stressors such as anticipated evaluation can impair creative thinking. Stressors separate into challenge stressors that can be managed with effort and skill and hindrance stressors that obstruct work. Challenge stressors sometimes boost creativity, but findings are mixed. Passion for work and the ability to voice ideas counteract stress effects, and even average resources can prevent negative outcomes.

Read at Psychology Today