Study finds adults outperform children in creativity despite higher anxiety

A study published in Plos One reveals that adults demonstrate higher levels of creativity than preschool children, despite experiencing significantly more anxiety and lower self-confidence during tasks.

Researchers from the University of Graz compared 92 children aged four to seven with 70 adults, primarily in their 20s, across three creative challenges: finding uses for a tin can, drawing freely, and drawing an imaginary animal. While a jury rated adult outputs as more original, useful, and creative—particularly when faced with specific goals and time limits—the children reported feeling more motivated, confident, and less anxious.

Dr. Mathias Benedek, the study's lead author, noted that while children's high intrinsic motivation is often mistaken for superior creative talent, adults actually possess higher creative potential. However, adults struggle with a fear of their original ideas being rejected, which negatively impacts their performance and psychological well-being during creative processes.