Researchers have delved into the impact of the first lockdown in France on people's creative experiences through a French-language online survey. This study aimed to understand how the sudden change in daily routines, brought about by the elimination of commuting and more free time for many, influenced creativity among individuals. However, the experience was not universal as not everyone enjoyed increased leisure time; for instance, parents juggling work and childcare found themselves with less time. The survey, conducted during the initial lockdown period, employed an inventory of 28 creative activities to evaluate participants' creative endeavors.
The inventory used in the survey was rooted in established research methods often utilized by psychologists, drawing from sources such as the Inventory of Creative Activities and Achievements (ICAA). This comprehensive tool aimed to capture a broad spectrum of creative activities participants engaged in during the lockdown. Despite varying levels of free time, the study revealed that creativity scores saw a positive change even after accounting for factors like Openness.
Participants were also asked to self-assess their creativity changes during the lockdown, referred to as subjective creativity change (SCC). This measure sought to capture personal perceptions and experiences related to creativity during this unprecedented period. The researchers found that the creativity change score positively correlated with both the amount of free time available and affective factors, highlighting the nuanced relationship between time availability and creative expression.
The study uncovered that while some individuals embraced the opportunity to explore their creative potential, others faced constraints that limited their ability to do so. Nevertheless, the overall findings suggested that the lockdown period provided fertile ground for many to engage in creative endeavors, despite the challenges posed by the pandemic.
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