ABSTRACT

This study provides an empirical test of the relationship between creative potential, mating, and reproductive success in a sample using natural methods of fertility control: the Meru tribe living in the regions of Laare and Mutuati in Kenya. The participants (N = 133; 65 females) solved a figural creativity test (the Test of Creative Thinking – Drawing Production, TCT-DP) and provided information about the number of spouses, children, length of their schooling, as well as wealth. Analyses demonstrated that creative potential negatively predicted the number of offspring, but this relation was fully mediated by the number of spouses: more creative people more often stayed single and did not have offspring. The theoretical consequences of these findings are discussed in light of the evolutionary psychology of creativity.

摘要

这项研究使用自然的生育控制方法，对一个样本中的创造潜力，交配和生殖成功之间的关系进行了实证检验：居住在肯尼亚拉雷和穆图阿蒂地区的梅鲁部落。参加者（N= 133; 65名女性）解决了形象创造力测验（即创造性思维测验-制图作品，TCT-DP），并提供了有关配偶数，子女，上学时间以及财富的信息。分析表明，创造潜能负面地预测了后代的数量，但是这种关系完全由配偶的数量来调节：更多有创造力的人更多地保持单身并且没有后代。这些发现的理论结果将根据创造力的进化心理学进行讨论。