The structure and personality predictors of self-rated creativity

Two hundred and twenty-two participants completed a multidimensional measure of self-estimated creativity, one on self-rated personal characteristics and a Big Five personality measure. Exploratory factor analysis showed the self-ratings loaded on four interpretable factors labelled Creativity, Intelligence (Cognitive Ability), Angry-Impulsive and Emotions. General response trends were consistent with previous self-estimates research as participants tended to rate themselves as just above average. A structural equation model containing all four self-estimated factors revealed that Openness predicted all four and, as expected, was the strongest predictor of self-estimated Creativity (β = .56). Openness was also the strongest predictor of self-estimated Cognitive Ability (β = .27). Agreeableness was the strongest predictor of self-estimated Emotions (β = .29) and Angry-Impulsive (β = −.34). Conscientiousness did not explain unique variance in any of the factors.

► Structure of self-estimated creativity examined. ► Self-estimates of creativity are logically structured. ► Self-estimates split into intellectual and artistic creativity. ► Sex differences of self-ratings examined. ► Correlations between self-estimates and Big Five personality traits modelled.