Which Competencies Are Most Important for Creative Expression?

In a follow-up to a previously published study (Epstein, Schmidt, & Warfel, 2008), an ethnically-diverse sample of 13,578 people in 47 countries (mainly the United States and Canada) took an online test that measures 4 trainable competencies that have been shown to enhance creative expression in individuals. The new study confirmed that the test has high internal-consistency reliability and reasonably strong predictive validity. Competency scores were good predictors of self-reported frequency of creative expression and moderately good predictors of life satisfaction and professional success. Scores were also substantially higher for people who had had creativity training, and more training was associated with higher scores. Small but statistically significant differences in scores were found for gender (women outscoring men) and race/ethnicity. Of the 4 competencies examined, capturing (preserves new ideas as they occur) proved to be the best predictor of self-reported creative expression, followed by challenging (takes on difficult tasks), broadening (expands one's skills and knowledge), and surrounding (arranges stimulating physical and social environments).