Publication Type

Journal Article

Version

acceptedVersion

Publication Date

3-2010

Abstract

Inspired by recent advances in creative cognition research, the authors examined in the current research some creative benefits of multicultural experiences. Study 1 showed that European American undergraduates had better creative performance immediately after being exposed to American and Chinese cultures or to a hybrid culture formed by fusing American and Chinese cultures; this effect was also observed 5 to 7 days after the initial exposure. Studies 2 and 3 showed that exposure to multicultural experiences is positively related to the likelihood of engaging in some creativity-supporting processes—generation of unconventional ideas (Study 2) and receptiveness to ideas originated from foreign cultures (Study 3). Finally, in Studies 4 and 5, the authors found that need for cognitive closure (or the need for firm answers) and existential terror significantly attenuated the positive link between multicultural experiences and receptiveness to ideas originated from foreign cultures. The authors discussed these findings’ implications on multicultural learning and creativity.

Keywords

multicultural experience, receptiveness to foreign ideas, creativity, need for cognitive closure, terror management theory, motivated cultural cognition

Discipline

Multicultural Psychology | Personality and Social Contexts

Research Areas

Psychology

Publication

Journal of Cross-Cultural Psychology

Volume

41

Issue

5-6

First Page

723

Last Page

741

ISSN

0022-0221

Identifier

10.1177/0022022110361707

Publisher

SAGE

Copyright Owner and License

Authors

Additional URL

https://doi.org/10.1177/0022022110361707

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