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Dynamic switching between brain networks predicts creative ability

delete2025-01-15
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OA
AI
Q
Qunlin Chen
Y
Yoed N. Kenett *
Z
Zaixu Cui
H
Hikaru Takeuchi
A
Andréas Fink
M
Mathias Benedek
D
Daniel C. Zeitlen
K
Kaixiang Zhuang
J
James Lloyd-Cox
R
Ryuta Kawashima
邱江 cover
邱江 (Jiang Qiu) *
R
Roger E. Beaty
DOI:10.1038/s42003-025-07470-9delete
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Abstract

Abstract

En 中文
Creativity is hypothesized to arise from a mental state which balances spontaneous thought and cognitive control, corresponding to functional connectivity between the brain's Default Mode (DMN) and Executive Control (ECN) Networks. Here, we conduct a large-scale, multi-center examination of this hypothesis. Employing a meta-analytic network neuroscience approach, we analyze resting-state fMRI and creative task performance across 10 independent samples from Austria, Canada, China, Japan, and the United States (N = 2433)-constituting the largest and most ethnically diverse creativity neuroscience study to date. Using time-resolved network analysis, we investigate the relationship between creativity (i.e., divergent thinking ability) and dynamic switching between DMN and ECN. We find that creativity, but not general intelligence, can be reliably predicted by the number of DMN-ECN switches. Importantly, we identify an inverted-U relationship between creativity and the degree of balance between DMN-ECN switching, suggesting that optimal creative performance requires balanced brain network dynamics. Furthermore, an independent task-fMRI validation study (N = 31) demonstrates higher DMN-ECN switching during creative idea generation (compared to a control condition) and replicates the inverted-U relationship. Therefore, we provide robust evidence across multi-center datasets that creativity is tied to the capacity to dynamically switch between brain networks supporting spontaneous and controlled cognition.
Keywords:
RESTING-STATE NETWORKS
DEFAULT NETWORK
FUNCTIONAL CONNECTIVITY
DIVERGENT THINKING
COGNITION
SEGREGATION
VARIABILITY
INTEGRATION
MECHANISMS
GENERATION
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Communications Biology cover
Communications Biology
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5.1
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