How the Five Factor Model and revised Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory predict divergent thinking

•Fear and openness to experience predict divergent thinking.•Reward seeking through mastery predicts divergent thinking.•Fear is shown to be a useful personality trait.

From the Five Factor Model (FFM), we hypothesized openness to experience would positively predict divergent thinking. From revised Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory (r-RST), we hypothesized revised Behavioural Approach System (r-BAS) would positively predict divergent thinking and revised Fight/Flight/Freezing System (r-FFFS) would negatively predict divergent thinking. Moreover, we hypothesized that r-FFFS would incrementally predict divergent thinking after controlling for significant FFM traits. Consistent with Elliot and Thrash (2010), we also hypothesized an indirect effects model with r-BAS predicting divergent thinking through mastery. Using 130 participants, we found support or partial support for all hypotheses. Our results indicate that biological factors of personality associated with r-RST as well as openness to experience predict divergent thinking. The distinction between fear and anxiety in r-RST was also supported with fear and not anxiety negatively predicting divergent thinking.