Hope enhances creativity more than well-being: findings from a two-week longitudinal study

Using a short longitudinal design over two weeks, the present study examined the impact of hope on self-rated creativity and whether this causal relationship would persist after controlling demographic factors and well-being. A community sample of 244 Malaysians completed the World Health Organization Well-Being Index, Adult Hope Scale, and demographic questionnaire at Time 1, and the Self-Rated Creativity Scale at Time 2. Pearson correlation analysis revealed positive associations among hope, well-being, and creativity. Hierarchical multiple linear regression analysis indicated that: (a) well-being positively predicted creativity; and (b) hope enhanced creativity even after controlling for age, gender, and well-being. These findings not only support the causal link between hope and creativity but also highlight the superior influence of hope over well-being on creativity. This insight is valuable for researchers and practitioners involved in creativity training across various contexts, suggesting the integration of hope interventions in enhancing creative outcomes.