Lockdown sparks surge in creative pursuits

By Amber Dixon 14/08/2026 2 min read 26 views

Research shows that people were more creative during the first COVID-19 lockdown. The American Psychological Association defines “creativity” as “the ability to produce or develop original work, theories, techniques, or thoughts.”

A new study from the Paris Brain Institute at Sorbonne University investigated the effect the first COVID-19 lockdown had on creativity. They conducted a French-language online survey to learn more about people’s experiences with creativity during this first lockdown in France.

The study’s 343 participants said they were, on average, more creative during the lockdown than during the period before. Participants were asked about their engagement in 28 creative activities, including painting, cooking, sewing, gardening, writing, and decorating.

The top five creative activities in which the study’s respondents said they engaged in were cooking, sports and dance programs, self-help programs, and gardening. The researchers also inquired about pandemic obstacles that had to be overcome.

There was no clear indication that a higher number of obstacles hindered creativity. The extent of obstacles encountered was high for individuals who were more creative as well as for those who were less so.

The two greatest factors in whether a person’s level of creativity during the lockdown rose or fell were emotional or affective changes and—to a slightly lesser degree—whether the pandemic gave them more free time. The degree to which an individual exhibits openness—one of the Big Five personality traits—followed behind as a significant factor.

Previous research suggests that a positive mood is correlated to creative activity, although there is still some debate. The authors of the study confirmed that participants’ affective states aligned with subjective creativity change.

Researchers found a link between positive mood and creativity, and one between negative affective states and less creativity. Dr. Alizée Lopez-Persem noted that creative expression enabled individuals to better manage their negative emotions linked to confinement.

The elimination of commuting returned hours to many people, leaving them with more free time.

The study provides insight into the ways that people responded to the lockdown, and how it affected their creative pursuits. The findings have implications for our understanding of the relationship between creativity, mood, and free time, particularly in situations where people have more mental health support.

They have implications for various fields.

Dr. Ajay Agrawal, University of Toronto, noted that constraints can actually stimulate the creative mind. The study’s results support this idea, showing that people were able to find new ways to be creative despite the challenges posed by the lockdown.

People can find ways to express themselves creatively even in difficult situations, given the right conditions. The study’s findings suggest this.