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Chapter 7 - Mind Wondering

Curious Daydreaming and Other Potentially Inspiring Forms of Mind-Wandering

from III - Pathways to Insight

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 May 2024

By
Jonathan W. Schooler ,
Madeleine E. Gross ,
Claire M. Zedelius  and
Paul Seli
Edited by
Carola Salvi ,
Jennifer Wiley  and
Steven M. Smith
Carola Salvi
Affiliation:
John Cabot University, Rome
Jennifer Wiley
Affiliation:
University of Illinois, Chicago
Steven M. Smith
Affiliation:
Texas A & M University
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Summary

In this chapter, we explore the relationship between mind-wandering (broadly defined as task-unrelated thought) and creativity. We begin with an exploration of the evidence that mind-wandering may contribute to creative insights (Aha! experiences) and then explore its relationship to creativity more generally. Although assorted lines of evidence support a relationship between mind-wandering and creativity, this literature has proven to be somewhat mixed: an outcome that we speculate arises because only certain types of mind-wandering are helpful. We then consider the relationship between different types of mind-wandering and creativity, examining both differences between individuals in the frequency with which they engage in assorted types of mind-wandering and fluctuations within individuals across days. This review offers suggestive evidence that particular forms of mind-wandering may facilitate creativity and, in particular, that curious daydreaming (or “mind wondering”) may do so. However, we acknowledge the case remains equivocal as supportive research is limited. We close with a discussion of future directions that may help to more conclusively identify and potentially foster the kinds of mind-wandering that are most likely to promote creative insights and advances

Keywords

insightaha!problem-solvingcreativitymind wonderingdaydreaming
Type
Chapter
Information
The Emergence of Insight , pp. 140 - 162
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2024

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References

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