Creativity and Goal Conflict

Abstract

This study assessed the relation of goal conflict variables to faculty-rated creativity in advanced students of art, physics, and ecology. Neither the amount of conflict between personal strivings nor the amount of ambivalence felt toward strivings predicted ratings of creativity. However, the degree to which subjects felt that they could handle and ultimately resolve their striving conflicts was correlated with creativity. These results support the proposal that the ability to tolerate conflict is a core characteristic of creative persons. They are also consistent with the claim that creativity results from exceptional mental health rather than from illness.