Curiosity is closely linked to creativity; however, given that curiosity is a multidimensional personality construct, it remains unclear which specific facets of curiosity are most strongly related to creativity. Drawing on the Five-Dimensional Curiosity Scale Revised (5DCR), the present study employed both variable-centered (multiple regression analysis) and person-centered (latent profile analysis) approaches to examine how different curiosity traits—and their combinational patterns—relate to creativity. Results from the multiple regression analysis revealed that Stress Tolerance and Joyous Exploration were the two facets most strongly associated with creativity. The latent profile analysis identified four distinct curiosity profiles across the five dimensions, and subsequent comparisons showed significant differences among these profiles in divergent thinking, creative behavior, and creative achievement. Together, these findings provide new evidence for understanding the multidimensional nature of curiosity and its links to creativity, and offer empirical guidance for fostering curiosity traits that are most conducive to creative outcomes. • Within the five-dimensional curiosity framework, Stress Tolerance and Joyous Exploration showed the strongest associations with creativity. • Latent profile analysis revealed four distinct curiosity profiles based on the five curiosity traits. • Significant differences in creativity were found across the four profiles.
Liu et al. (Fri,) studied this question.