Implementing mindful learning into daily routines can heighten sensitivity to one's surroundings, thereby fostering creative thinking. Despite its apparent benefits, the neural mechanisms underlying this phenomenon remain unclear. Thus, this study sought to explore the neurological changes associated with mindful learning. Nineteen college students participated in a 10-day mindful learning intervention. They were instructed to capture photos of their interests using smartphones, reflect on creative connections to these images, and share their assignments on a designated website. Before and after the intervention, participants underwent a creativity test involving color picture associations, alongside fMRI brain imaging. Results revealed a notable increase in creative performance following the 10-day mindful learning period, accompanied by enhanced activation in the bilateral middle cingulate cortex and the right inferior temporal gyrus (ITG). Notably, heightened brain activity in the right ITG was positively correlated with improved creativity scores. This region is known for its role in visual information processing and emotion regulation. In summary, our intervention proved effective in enhancing creativity, with the right ITG playing a pivotal role in facilitating visual information processing and emotion regulation during color photo association tasks.

Authors:
Chih-Yen Chang, National Taiwan Normal University, Taiwan
Yu-Chu Yeh, National Chengchi University, Taiwan
Wei-Chin Hsu, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taiwan

About the Presenter(s)
Professor Yu-chu Yeh is a University Professor/Principal Lecturer at National Chengchi University in Taiwan

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