THE EFFECT OF FLEXIBILITY AND PROBLEM TYPE ON CREATIVITY, TIME MANAGEMENT, AND HAPPINESS

Abstract

Cognitive flexibility denotes an individual's cognitive capacity to adapt mental processes and navigate diverse situations. Time management signifies the effective and efficient use of an individual's time. Happiness encompasses a combination of positive emotions and overall satisfaction. Although existing literature presents correlational and inconsistent studies regarding the relationship between cognitive flexibility and happiness, there is a lack of experimental research specifically examining the impact of cognitive flexibility on happiness. This study explores the experimental effect of cognitive flexibility on creativity, time management, and immediate happiness. Flexibility was manipulated by instructing participants to engage in either flexible or routine thinking during a brainstorming session focused on generating ideas to enhance human relationships or increase happiness. A pilot study involving 108 nursing students utilized a 2x2 ANOVA, revealing that individuals in the flexible condition and the happiness-focused condition generated fewer original ideas compared to their counterparts. Moreover, participants focused on relationships and routine thinking exhibited the highest cognitive engagement compared to other groups. Additionally, those in the flexible condition tended to face challenges in time management and reported lower levels of happiness. These research findings suggest that engaging in flexible thinking demands increased cognitive effort, which may hinder effective time management and decrease immediate happiness. Future research could involve modeling or simulations aimed at enhancing flexibility through specific exercises, enabling further examination of their effects. The implications of these findings are discussed.