Exploratory Study on Visualizing Multilayered Psychophysiological Change in Creative Activity

Abstract: This study aims to visualize the multilayered psychological change processes that occur during creative activities, with a particular focus on their role as learning processes. Creative Self-Efficacy (CSE) was adopted as the primary indicator, while optimism and General Self-Efficacy (GSE) were measured as complementary constructs. This approach allows creativity, as an abstract concept, to be empirically captured, and examines how creative engagement functions as a developmental learning experience. Creative workshops using LEGO® Serious Play® (LSP) were conducted, and changes in psychological indicators before and after the sessions were analyzed. In addition, electroencephalographic (EEG) data were recorded during the sessions to trace cognitive and emotional processes, thereby clarifying the dynamics of learning through creativity.The PERMA model from positive psychology (Positive emotion, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, Accomplishment) was positioned as a supplementary framework to explain part of the observed changes. The central focus, however, lies in the visualization of psychological transformations occurring during creative learning activities, with PERMA serving as a theoretical lens to interpret specific outcomes. Ultimately, cultural factors such as optimism, personality traits (e.g., Big Five), and value orientations are also considered to clarify how creative activity, as a form of experiential learning, contributes to psychological efficacy and well-being.As a preliminary study, a literature review was conducted to organize the theoretical relationships among optimism, CSE, and PERMA, followed by qualitative discourse analysis of Japanese in-house designers. The analysis revealed culturally embedded components of optimism. “Bright outlook” was most frequently mentioned, followed by “absence of anxiety,” “flexibility,” “confidence,” and “carefree orientation.” These findings were generally consistent with the established five-factor structure (Uochi et al., 2020) but also revealed overlaps among factors, suggesting a multifaceted cultural understanding of optimism in creative activity. Based on these insights, a hypothetical model was constructed to guide further empirical testing.In the subsequent phase, individual participants from private companies and educational institutions took part in LSP workshops, which are designed to promote divergent thinking, collaborative problem-solving, and metaphorical expression. EEG data were recorded during the workshops (creative activities) to capture neural patterns associated with engagement and learning. Pre- and post-intervention measures included optimism (LOT-R and culturally adapted items), CSE, and GSE. Changes were analyzed using paired t-tests and hierarchical multiple regression analysis, while factor analysis of the optimism scale was conducted to extract culture-specific (Japanese) structures.A distinctive feature of this study is its focus on individual-level creative interventions, rather than group-based approaches. This design minimizes social facilitation and conformity effects, enabling clearer examination of the mechanisms through which creative learning enhances CSE (self-confidence), GSE (sense of growth), and PERMA (well-being) dimensions. In particular, it may clarify pathways that are independent of interpersonal feedback, such as from Positive emotion (P) to CSE, and from GSE to Engagement (E) and Accomplishment (A). Furthermore, by integrating Japanese-specific factors of optimism into the PERMA framework, this study proposes a culturally adaptive model of creative self-efficacy development as a learning outcome.

Keywords: Creative Self-Efficacy, Optimism, General Self-Efficacy, PERMA Model

DOI: 10.54941/ahfe1006948

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