Creative problem solving as a function of both divergent thinking and executive functioning: The role of aging

The role of executive functioning in creative thinking is still debated in the literature. According to the hypothesis of a detrimental role of executive functioning in creative problem-solving, increased inhibitory control would negatively interfere with the production of many alternative responses, thus hindering creative solutions. There is, however, a growing body of research showing that executive functions - such as inhibition, working memory, and attentional switching - facilitate creative thinking. This study aimed at investigating the contribution of executive functioning, together with its age-related decline, and that of divergent thinking to creative problem-solving. As executive functioning decreases with aging, we compared the problem-solving performance - as well as working memory, impulsivity, and divergent thinking - of a group of older adults (60–70 years) to a one of younger adults (20–26 years). Results showed that problem-solving is negatively predicted by aging and impulsivity and positively predicted by divergent thinking and verbal working memory. These findings reveal a combined contribution of executive functions and divergent thinking to creative problem-solving, suggesting that both convergent and divergent processes should be considered in interventions to contrast age-related decline.