Previous studies have highlighted the significant role of environmental cues in influencing creative performance. The Dual Pathway to Creativity Model (DPCM) offers a framework for understanding how environmental cues interact with cognitive control mechanisms to shape two critical aspects of creativity: fluency and originality. This research explores the less-studied interaction between the type of creative prompt (visual vs. semantic) and cognitive control factors such as emotion regulation and ADHD/ADD traits within the DPCM framework.


Using an experimental design, participants engaged in an Alternative Uses Task after being presented with either visual or semantic prompts. They also completed assessments measuring emotion regulation, ADHD/ADD traits, and self-reported creativity. The findings showed that participants exposed to visual prompts demonstrated significantly higher levels of creative fluency, originality, and overall creativity compared to those who received semantic prompts. Additionally, emotion regulation was found to moderate the relationship between prompt type and fluency, while ADHD/ADD traits influenced the originality pathway, aligning with DPCM predictions.


These results offer valuable insights into the interaction between environmental cues and individual cognitive traits in fostering creativity. The study discusses both the theoretical implications of these findings and their potential applications in creative work and educational settings.