Dispositional Mindfulness Mediates the Relationship between Emotion Regulation and Creativity

Previous research has demonstrated positive associations between emotion regulation and creativity, between mindfulness and creativity, and between emotion regulation and mindfulness. The extent to which individual differences on emotion regulation, dispositional mindfulness, self-esteem, and flow state could predict self-reported creativity was explored in 147 British participants (mean age: 36.38, SD = 14.18) who completed the self-report study online. Emotion regulation, mindfulness, and self-esteem significantly predicted self-reported creativity, adjusted R-2 = .33, F(3,138) = 23.44, p < .001. Moreover, mindfulness significantly mediated the relationship between emotion regulation and self-reported creativity, with an indirect effect of -0.05, 95% CI[-0.106, -0.004]. Additionally, flow state correlated significantly with self-reported creativity, Pearson's r = .30, p < .01. Implications for well-being and clinical practice are discussed.