Abstract:

Identification and exploration of the genetic basis of creativity as well as the possible mechanism through which they interact with environmental factors to contribute to creativity has been a leading issue in creativity research. The overarching goal of this project is to investigate the effect of about 700 SNPs on 32 genes in dopamine (DA) and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) pathway on creativity in the Han Chinese population, and to explore and characterize the interaction of the above genetic polymorphisms and family environmental factors in contributing to creativity. It is designed that one thousand university students participate in this project and three specific aims are expected: (1) To examine associations between creativity and genetic polymorphisms in DA and 5-HT pathways through three levels of association analysis (single gene association analysis, pathway-based association analysis and gene-gene interaction association analysis). (2) To examine the moderating effect of family environmental factors (including family’s socioeconomic status, family atmosphere and parenting style ) on the relationship between the above genetic polymorphisms and creativity. (3) To examine the common and differential mechanism of creative thinking and creative personality. It is expected that this project will advance our understanding of creativity from the perspective of the interactions between genetic and environmental factors, and will further help to construct a theoretical model based on analysis of creativity individual differences and also help to provide some useful insight into creativity assessing and cultivating.

Key words: creativity, dopamine, 5-hydroxytryptamine, family environment