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Completed

NCT Number: NCT05544877

An Energetic View on Creativity, Psychopathology and Intelligence: The Brain2Business Study

The interventional part of the study aims to assess the acute effect of the Brain2Business (B2B) tool on creative thinking (primary objective) in adults with psychological disorders. Additionally, the study assesses the B2B effects on energy-related sensations and metabolism, technique adherence, gratefulness and goal-directed activation (secondary objectives) in adults with and without psychological disorders. The observational part of the study primarily aims to investigate the link between psychopathology, intelligence, energy-related sensations and metabolism validating the "c factor mito-bioenergetics" (CMB) model in a sample of adults with and without psychological disorders.

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Key information

Conditions

General Psychopathology Behavior Behavioral Symptoms Depression Depressive Disorder Depressive Disorder, Major Fatigue Mental Disorders Mood Disorders Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms Signs and Symptoms Somatoform Disorders

Age range

18 year and older

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Psychiatric Service Thurgau

Münsterlingen, Thurgau, 8596, Switzerland

About this study

Creativity techniques aim to improve creative thinking and to resolve rigid thinking patterns. They are often recommended and used to generate new insights and perspectives in business and occupational contexts, e.g. to support business development. Despite its successful real-world use, research on the benefits of specific creativity techniques is still in its infancy and it is largely unknown which techniques work best in which contexts.

Most importantly, to the best of the investigators knowledge, (i) specifically designed creativity techniques are not part of any evidence-based psychotherapeutic technique, and (ii) have never been investigated to assist evidence-based psychotherapeutic techniques. Creativity techniques may be helpful in psychotherapy as creative thinking and the generation of new insights and perspectives are believed to be crucial for the efficiency of many psychotherapeutic methods such as cognitive-behavioral therapy and psychodynamic therapy. In addition, it is well-known that people with psychological disorders show less creative thinking, less flexibility and more rigidity in thinking and behavior.

This mixed interventional and observational study has two main aims. The interventional study aims to reveal the effect of a creativity technique - the Brain2Business (B2B) tool - on creative thinking, energy-related sensations and metabolism, technique adherence, gratefulness and goal-directed activation in two different psychotherapeutic techniques (idea generation for pleasurable activities within a behavioral activation therapy (PA-BA) and idea generation for a gratefulness exercise (GE)). As the primary outcome, the acute effect of B2B on creative thinking in adults with a psychological disorder are investigated. As secondary outcomes, the study focuses on the acute B2B effects on energy-related sensations (e.g. tiredness) and metabolism (e.g. heart rate variability) as well as on adherence to the psychotherapeutic techniques, gratefulness and goal-directed activation in adults with and without a psychological disorder.

The B2B tool is a specifically designed creativity technique and depicts a gamified conceptual combination approach. This approach has previously shown to have effects on originality of ideas and it is successfully used in real-world occupational contexts.

The main aim of the observational part of the study is to reveal the relationship between energy-related sensations (e.g., sensations of fatigue and energy), energy metabolism (e.g., heart rate variability, heart rate, core body temperature, skin temperature, blood pressure, cerebral oxygenation), psychopathology, intelligence, and creativity within the newly developed "c factor mito-bioenergetics" (CMB) model. It is a bioenergetic model that links psychopathology and intelligence. The CMB model (i) conceptualizes general cerebral function as the shared variance between intelligence and psychopathology and (ii) assumes that the body's energy metabolism is the biological underpinning of the co-variation between psychopathology and intelligence.

The study will reveal for the first time whether the creativity technique B2B has the potential to assist psychotherapeutic techniques. If the B2B tool efficiently supports creative thinking in psychotherapeutic techniques, clinical trials should follow that compare the psychological effects of a full creativity technique-assisted psychotherapy versus a treatment-as-usual psychotherapy. In addition, the study will evaluate the relation between energy-related sensations and metabolism and validate the CMB model.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Individuals with and without a diagnosed psychiatric disorder (lifetime or current)

Exclusion criteria

  • Acute suicidality
  • Self-reported diagnosed neurological disorders that interfere with the study procedures
  • Insufficient German language
  • Vulnerable participants (e.g. participants with any indications for an incapability of judgement)
  • Caffeine, tobacco consumption and physical activity two hours before the lab-based session starts (only for additional biomarker analyses)

Treatment and study plan

Integrated 5-day Gratitude Exercise and Behavioral Activation Program

Behavioral

The 5-day intervention integrates a brief behavioral activation (BA) and a gratefulness exercise (GE) program. BA is composed of a lab-based idea generation and planning phase as well as a home-based performing phase with regard to pleasurable activities. GE is a idea generation task about aspects in life participants are grateful for about. It is performed once lab-based and daily with a home-based diary.

Primary outcomes

  1. General creative thinking as assessed with the PTT creativity examination

    Time frame: Measured in the lab-session (time point 4)

    The PTT creativity examination measures general creative thinking in psychotherapeutic techniques (PTT) using a composite measure of a newly developed objective and self-reported creative thinking assessments across two PTT. The composite score is calculated by averaging z-standardized objective and self-reported creative thinking assessments from both PTT. The z-standardized outcome value has a mean of 0 and SD of 1 with a probable range between -3 and +3. Higher scores mean a better outcome. The assessment include the generated ideas (a) for pleasurable activities as a component of behavioral activation (PA-BA) and (b) for a gratefulness exercise (GE). The score will be adjusted for baseline general creative thinking.

Secondary outcomes

  1. Objective creative thinking as assessed with the PTT creativity examination - Objective creativity subscore

    Time frame: Measured in the lab-session (time point 4)

    The objective creativity subscore of the PTT creativity examination is measured with a composite score of fluency, flexibility and originality across different PTT. The composite score is calculated by averaging z-standardized fluency, flexibility, and originality assessments from both PTT. The examination is based on the Torrance Test of Creative Thinking. The z-standardized outcome value has a mean of 0 and SD of 1 with a probable range between -3 and +3. Higher scores mean a better outcome. The score will be adjusted for baseline objective creative thinking.

  2. Self-report creative thinking as assessed with the PTT creativity examination - Self-reported creativity subscore

    Time frame: Measured in the lab-session (time point 4)

    A self-reported creativity composite score about self-generated ideas across different PTT. A newly developed self-report creativity assessment is used with 16 items using a 5-point Likert scale. The sum score ranges from 0 to 64 points. Higher scores mean a better outcome. The score will be adjusted for baseline self-reported creativity (composite of creative self-efficacy and everyday life creativity assessment).

  3. Top 3 creativity evaluation

    Time frame: Measured in the lab-session (time point 4)

    In the Top 3 creativity evaluation a lists of the best three items are rated on creativity by 2 raters. A 5-point Likert scale is used and the sum score ranges from 0 to 15 points. Higher scores mean a better outcome. The score will be adjusted for baseline creative thinking.

  4. PTT creativity examination - Originality subscore

    Time frame: Measured in the lab-session (time point 4)

    A composite measure of objective and self-reported originality. The score will be adjusted for baseline creative thinking.

  5. Eureka moment assessment

    Time frame: Measured in the lab-session (time point 4)

    A newly developed assessment that measures the number of Aha/eureka moments in both psychotherapeutic techniques

  6. Torrance Test of Creative Thinking (TTCT) part II composite score

    Time frame: Measured in the lab-session (time point 4)

    The TTCT part II measures objective creative thinking within the elephant task of the TTCT; 4 minutes; part II). The TTCT composite score is composed of a fluency, flexibility and originality score for the elefphant tasks. The composite score is calculated by averaging z-standardized fluency, flexibility, and originality assessments. The z-standardized outcome value has a mean of 0 and SD of 1 with a probable range between -3 and +3. Higher scores mean a better outcome. The score will be adjusted for baseline objective creative thinking using the TTCT part I without a creativity technique.

  7. Everyday life creativity assessment

    Time frame: Change from pre-test (time point 2) to 1-week-follow-up (time point 5)

    Everyday life creativity is assessed with a newly developed 5-item self-report questionnaire (5-point Likert scale). The sum score ranges from 1 to 5.

  8. Creative self-efficacy

    Time frame: Change from pre-test (time point 2) to 1-week-follow-up (time point 5)

    Creative self-efficacy is assessed with an adapted 6-item creative self-efficacy questionnaire based on two creative self-efficacy questionnaires (5-point Likert scale). The sum score ranges from 6 to 30.

  9. Adherence to behavioral activation (BA) - planned activities

    Time frame: Measured in the lab-session (time point 4)

    Number of planned pleasurable activities during the 5-day diary period

  10. Adherence to behavioral activation (BA) - performed activities

    Time frame: Measured home-based within the 5-day diary period (time point 5)

    Number of performed pleasurable activities during the 5-day diary period.

  11. Adherence to gratefulness exercise (GE) - time

    Time frame: Measured home-based within the 5-day diary period (time point 5)

    The number of minutes people spend in the GE during the 5-day diary period

  12. Adherence to gratefulness exercise (GE) - ideas

    Time frame: Measured home-based within the 5-day diary period (time point 5)

    The number of ideas people created in the GE during the 5-day diary period

  13. Post-acute energy-related sensations as measured with the energy grid

    Time frame: Change within the 5-day diary period measured home-based (time point 5)

    Measured with two energy grid dimensions (wakefulness, sensation of energy) and derived composite scores using mean scores

  14. Bodily sensations of activation/deactivation and lightness/heaviness

    Time frame: Change from pre to post gratefulness exercise in the lab-session (time point 4)

    Measured with the emBody tool

  15. Energy-related metabolism index - acute effects

    Time frame: Change within the lab-session (time point 2 to time point 4)

    A measure validated within the study based on a weighted composite score of all metabolism measures derived from beta coefficients of regression analysis or based on machine learning algorithm.

  16. Energy-related metabolism index - post-acute effects

    Time frame: Change from the lab-session to home-based assessment (time point 2 to time point 5)

    A measure validated within the study based on a weighted composite score of all metabolism measures derived from beta coefficients of regression analysis or based on machine learning algorithm.

  17. Depressive symptoms as assessed Beck Depression Inventory II (BDI II)

    Time frame: Change from pre-test (time point 1) to the last day of the diary period (time point 5)

    The BDI II is a well-validated self-rating questionnaire of depression.

  18. Flow experiences in everyday life as assessed with the Brief Flow Scale (FKS).

    Time frame: Change from pre-test (time point 2) to the last day of the diary period (time point 5)

    The FKS is a validated self-report questionnaire to assess flow experiences

  19. General self-efficacy as assessed with the general self-efficacy brief scale (AKSU)

    Time frame: Change from pre-test (time point 2) to the last day of the diary period (time point 5)

    The general self-efficacy brief scale (AKSU) is a validated self-report questionnaire to assess general self-efficacy

  20. Gratefulness as assessed with the Gratitude questionnaire (GQ-5-G).

    Time frame: Change from pre-test (time point 2) to the last day of the diary period (time point 5)

    The GQ-5-G is a validated self-report questionnaire to assess gratefulness

  21. Creativity exercise experiences

    Time frame: Measured in the lab-session (time point 4)

    A composite measure based on the Game Experience Questionnaire - Core Module, the Energy Grid, and self-developed items. Subscales include challenge - perceived effort, challenge - energy consumption, challenge - perceived task demand, boredomness, competence, pleasant feelings, calmness, sensation of energy, tiredness, match of resources and challenges, self-perceived creativity

  22. Post-creativity exercise experiences as assessed with the Game Experience Questionnaire - post game module

    Time frame: Measured in the lab-session (time point 4)

    A composite measure based on the 4 subscales positive experience, negative experience, tiredness and returning to reality

  23. Acute energy-related sensations

    Time frame: Change within the lab-based session from before the exercises (time point 2) to after each of the exercises (time point 4)

    A composite scores based on the Energy Grid's four dimensions (calmness, pleasant feelings, wakefulness, and sensation of energy).

  24. Goal- and value-based activation

    Time frame: Change from pre-test (time point 2) to the last day of the diary period (time point 5)

    Composite score of the activation subscale of the Behavioral Activation for Depression (BADS) questionnaire and a self-developed value-based activation questionnaire

  25. Physical activity

    Time frame: Change from pre-test (time point 2) to the diary period (time point 5)

    International physical activity questionnaire (IPAQ)

  26. Sleep quality

    Time frame: Change from pre-test (time point 2) to the diary period (time point 5)

    Insomnia scale of the Inventory of Depression and Anxiety Symptoms

  27. Positive/negative experience ratio

    Time frame: Measured at the last day of the diary period (time point 5)

    Ratio of remarkable positive and negative experiences during the 5-day period as measured with a self-developed questionnaire

Other outcomes

  1. Heart rate variability

    Time frame: Change from baseline (time point 2) to exercise tasks (time point 4) within the lab-based session

    Measured with Polar H10 sensor

  2. Core body temperature

    Time frame: Change from baseline (time point 2) to exercise tasks (time point 4) within the lab-based session

    Measured with CORE/CALERAresearch device

  3. Blood oxygenation variability

    Time frame: Change from baseline (time point 2) to exercise tasks (time point 4) within the lab-based session

    SOMNOtouch™ RESP

  4. Variability of beat-to-beat diastolic and systolic blood pressure

    Time frame: Change from baseline (time point 2) to exercise tasks (time point 4) within the lab-based session

    SOMNOtouch™ RESP

  5. 24-hour peak-to-peak (maximum-minimum) core body temperature

    Time frame: Change from day 1 to day 3 in the home-based diary period

    Measured with CORE/CALERAresearch device

  6. Respiratory rate

    Time frame: Change from baseline (time point 2) to exercise tasks (time point 4) within the lab-based session

    SOMNOtouch™ RESP

  7. Thoracic/abdominal respiratory ratio

    Time frame: Change from baseline (time point 2) to exercise tasks (time point 4) within the lab-based session

    Measured with SOMNOtouch™ RESP

  8. Cerebral oxygenation

    Time frame: Change from baseline (time point 2) to exercise tasks (time point 4) within the lab-based session

    Sensmart model x-100 NIRS sensors from NONIN

  9. Cerebral oxygenation variability

    Time frame: Change from baseline (time point 2) to exercise tasks (time point 4) within the lab-based session

    Sensmart model x-100 NIRS sensors from NONIN

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Psychiatrische Dienste Thurgau

Other

Collaborators

  • Brain2Go AG
  • SOMNOmedics GmbH
  • greenTEG AG

Registry information

Official study title

An Energetic View on Creativity, Psychopathology and Intelligence: A Mixed Design Study in Adults With and Without Psychological Disorders

Acronym: B2B

Important dates

Study start
2022
Primary completion
2023
Study completion
2023
First posted
Sep 19, 2022
Registry last updated
Oct 26, 2023

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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