ADHD and Creativity: Contribution of ADHD Trait Dimensions and an Exploration of Other Contributing Factors
Abstract
ADHD is associated with impairments but also strengths like creativity. How inattentiveness and hyperactivity-impulsivity contribute to creativity, and how potential factors influence and contribute to the link, remain unclear. This study examined the unique contribution of inattentiveness and hyperactivity-impulsivity to creativity (divergent thinking and creative achievement) and explored the influences of novelty seeking, extraversion, persistence, hyperfocus, and self-restraint in these associations across two independent studies. Data were obtained from two independent university student samples (n = 158, n = 122) via online testing. Divergent thinking was assessed using the Alternate Uses Task; creative achievement, ADHD traits, and potential influencing and contributing factors were measured through self-report questionnaires. Inattentiveness and hyperactivity-impulsivity correlated with creativity in both samples: hyperactivity-impulsivity was the stronger predictor. Among all the potential contributing factors, only hyperfocus accounted for part of the association between inattentiveness and creative achievement. Our findings indicate that hyperactivity-impulsivity is the dominant ADHD trait dimension in the association with creativity. Hyperfocus accounted for part of the associations between inattentiveness and creative achievement, suggesting it may be a factor contributing to this association. Understanding positive phenotypes associated with neurodevelopmental conditions can optimize psychoeducation, reduce stigma, and improve the quality of life for those affected.
Related
- Trends in Modifiable Risk Factors Contributing to Ischemic Heart Disease Mortality in Afghanistan: Estimates From the Global Burden of Disease Study 2023 (1999-2023)
- Magnitude of tracheal stenosis and contributing factors among adult intubated patients in intensive care units in Northern Ethiopia
- Prevalence of Malnutrition and Contributing Factors in Children With Cerebral Palsy in Malawi: A Case‐Control Study
- Embryonic Arrest, Contributing Factors and Proposed Solutions: A Brief Review
- Assessment of and Factors Contributing to Adequate Endothelization After Drug-Eluting Stent Implantation
BibTeX
@misc{fang2026adhd,
title = {{ADHD and Creativity: Contribution of ADHD Trait Dimensions and an Exploration of Other Contributing Factors}},
author = {Han Fang and Anouk Scheres and Lisa I. Horstman and Emma L.M. Laan and Mats N.J. Akkermans and Eva Hermans and Rutger Carelse and Anne M. den Dulk and Martine Hoogman},
howpublished = {PsyArXiv},
year = {2026},
month = sep,
doi = {10.31234/osf.io/m8vr3_v1},
url = {https://osf.io/preprints/psyarxiv/m8vr3_v1/},
note = {CC BY 4.0},
}
RIS
TY - UNPB
TI - ADHD and Creativity: Contribution of ADHD Trait Dimensions and an Exploration of Other Contributing Factors
AU - Han Fang
AU - Anouk Scheres
AU - Lisa I. Horstman
AU - Emma L.M. Laan
AU - Mats N.J. Akkermans
AU - Eva Hermans
AU - Rutger Carelse
AU - Anne M. den Dulk
AU - Martine Hoogman
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/09/18
PB - PsyArXiv
DO - 10.31234/osf.io/m8vr3_v1
UR - https://osf.io/preprints/psyarxiv/m8vr3_v1/
AB - ADHD is associated with impairments but also strengths like creativity. How inattentiveness and hyperactivity-impulsivity contribute to creativity, and how potential factors influence and contribute to the link, remain unclear. This study examined the unique contribution of inattentiveness and hyperactivity-impulsivity to creativity (divergent thinking and creative achievement) and explored the influences of novelty seeking, extraversion, persistence, hyperfocus, and self-restraint in these associations across two independent studies. Data were obtained from two independent university student samples (n = 158, n = 122) via online testing. Divergent thinking was assessed using the Alternate Uses Task; creative achievement, ADHD traits, and potential influencing and contributing factors were measured through self-report questionnaires. Inattentiveness and hyperactivity-impulsivity correlated with creativity in both samples: hyperactivity-impulsivity was the stronger predictor. Among all the potential contributing factors, only hyperfocus accounted for part of the association between inattentiveness and creative achievement. Our findings indicate that hyperactivity-impulsivity is the dominant ADHD trait dimension in the association with creativity. Hyperfocus accounted for part of the associations between inattentiveness and creative achievement, suggesting it may be a factor contributing to this association. Understanding positive phenotypes associated with neurodevelopmental conditions can optimize psychoeducation, reduce stigma, and improve the quality of life for those affected.
ER -