Mindfulness may spark creative thinking in scientists

NCT ID NCT07102953

First seen Jul 01, 2026 · Last updated Jul 02, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study explores whether two types of mindfulness meditation—focused attention and open monitoring—can improve creativity in graduate students and academic researchers. Over five days, participants practice meditation or listen to audio stories, then take tests measuring divergent and convergent thinking. Brain activity is also recorded with EEG to see if meditation changes how the brain works. The goal is to understand if brief meditation training can enhance creative problem-solving in research settings.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance
focused-attention meditation and open-monitoring meditation
What this could lead to
If it works, this could point toward simple mental exercises that enhance creative thinking in scientists and other professionals.
What could go wrong
This is a small, early-stage study with only 5 days of training, so results may not apply broadly or show lasting effects. Creativity is hard to measure, and improvements may be modest.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Westlake University

    Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310030, China