Creativity in Middle Childhood: Influence of Perceived Maternal Sensitivity, Self-esteem, and Shyness. Issue 1 (2nd January 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Cantero, María-José; Alfonso-Benlliure, Vicente; Melero, Remedios
• Is Part Of: Creativity research journal. Volume 28:Issue 1(2016)
• Page Start: 105
• Page End: 113
• Publication Date: 2016-01-02
• Subjects: Creative ability -- Periodicals; 153.3505
• DOI: 10.1080/10400419.2016.1125246
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1040-0419

Abstract

Abstract : This study aimed to examine the relationship between maternal sensitivity and affect, as perceived by the child, and childhood creativity. Self-esteem and shyness were considered mediating factors. A total of 151 elementary school pupils were tested on verbal and pictorial creativity, self-esteem, and perceived maternal affect and sensitivity. Their teachers assessed each child's shyness in their relations at school. A Multiple Indicators and Multiple Causes (MIMIC) model of the causal relationships among the study's variables was tested. Results supported this theoretical model of causality. Maternal sensitivity had a significant, direct, positive effect on self-esteem, and a direct negative effect on shyness. In addition, self-esteem had a direct positive effect on verbal creativity and shyness had a negative direct effect on verbal and pictorial creativity. The indirect effect of maternal sensitivity on verbal creativity was significant via both self-esteem and shyness. The findings were discussed in terms of their implications for child development.