Is there a “Creative gene”?
Some non – artistic people like to say that they “weren’t blessed with the creative gene” when they talk to artists. A popular belief is that it also “runs in the family”. Is there any truth in the phrase? Or is it just a figure of speech? Well, according to research, there may be some accuracy in the expression.
Creativity, in the biopsychological sense, is a term describing a certain type of thinking (Sometimes referred to as divergent thinking) which involves mixing different kinds of information, from both what we see and sense, to more abstract ideas.
Different areas of the brain work together to help us be creative. Some parts focus on imagination and daydreaming, while others help us plan and control our thoughts.
Our brain can switch between different modes, like focusing deeply on a task or letting our mind wander. Both are important for creativity.
It isn’t only about being artistic; it’s about thinking about things in new ways, remixing already existing elements into new ideas. Brain and creativity (Ceaușu, F., 2024) suggests that creativity is influenced by an amalgamation of our experiences, emotions, and the environment around us, and not necessarily the result of a single “creative gene”.
However, that doesn’t mean genes don’t play any part whatsoever. Plenty of research points to the biology and genetics of an individual influencing overall creative tendency.
In fact, one study - Neural, genetic, and cognitive signatures of creativity (2024) suggests that some genes related to brain chemicals, like dopamine (which helps with motivation and reward), are connected to creativity.
Some changes in the dopamine-related genes are linked to differences in creativity among adolescents. This suggests that how these genes are “switched” can influence a teen’s ability to think creatively.
This connection helps explain why some people might be naturally more creative and how brain chemistry plays a role.
Our ability to be creative isn’t entirely decided by our genetic make-up, however. Neuroplasticity, a proven mode of changing the way the brain works through creating new and strengthening existing neural pathways, means we are capable of making our brains better at coming up with new ideas by learning and practicing creative skills.
So, while genetics do play a role, someone’s creativity isn’t directly inherited from their parents. It’s also influenced by the people and things around them, the circumstances in which they grew up, and by how much they “exercise” their creative muscles to strengthen their creative neural pathways.
References:
Liu, C., Zhuang, K., Zeitlen, D.C., Chen, Q., Wang, X., Feng, Q., Beaty, R.E. and Qiu, J., 2024. Neural, genetic, and cognitive signatures of creativity. Communications Biology, 7(1), p.1324.
Ceaușu, F., 2024. Brain and creativity. Review of Artistic Education, (28), pp.285-297.
Yang, X., Zhang, J. and Zhang, S., 2024. The association between dopaminergic gene methylation and adolescent creativity. Psychology of Aesthetics, Creativity, and the Arts.
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