Association of hair iron levels with creativity and psychological variables related to creativity

Abstract

Creativity generally involves the conception of original and valuable ideas. Previous studies have suggested an association between creativity and the dopaminergic system, and that physical activity facilitates creativity. Iron plays a key role in the dopaminergic system and physical activity. Here, we newly investigated the associations between hair iron levels and creativity, dopamine-related traits and states [novelty seeking, extraversion, and vigor (motivational state)], as well as the physical activity level. In the present study, we addressed this issue by performing a hair mineral analysis to determine iron levels and a behavioral creativity test of divergent thinking and related psychological measures among young adults (254 men, 88 women; mean age 20.79 ± 2.03 years). Iron levels did not show any significant association with creativity but displayed significant positive associations with novelty seeking, extraversion, and physical activity level. These results may be partly congruent with the notion that iron plays a key role in the dopaminergic system and imply that iron is important for traits and physical activity, which facilitate creativity. Future interventional or longitudinal studies are warranted to identify any causal effects.

Keywords: creativity; dopamine; extraversion; hair minerals; iron; motivation; novelty seeking; physical activity.

Figure 1

Histograms of the variables. (A) A histogram showing the logarithms of hair iron levels for male and female subjects. (B) A histogram showing S-A creativity test scores for male and female subjects.

Figure 2

Associations between hair iron levels and creativity. A scatterplot comparing S-A creativity test score and the logarithms of hair iron levels, which shows a nonsignificant association with the trend line.

Figure 3

Associations between hair iron levels and psychological variables related to creativity. (A) A scatterplot comparing POMS Vigor subscale score and the logarithms of hair iron levels, which shows a nonsignificant association. (B) A scatterplot comparing Novelty Seeking scale score and the logarithms of hair iron levels, which shows significant positive associations. (C) A scatterplot comparing Extraversion scale score and the logarithms of hair iron levels, which shows significant positive associations. (D) A scatterplot comparing the physical activity level and the logarithms of hair iron levels, which shows significant positive associations.