Preschoolers aren't more creative than adults—they're just more confident
Adults are more objectively creative than preschoolers but are inhibited by anxiety and low self-confidence, according to a study published Oct. 21, 2026, in the journal PLOS One by Janika Saretzki from the University of Graz, Austria, and colleagues.
A recent study published in PLOS One suggests that preschoolers aren't more creative than adults, but rather, they are simply more confident in their creative abilities. Researchers Janika Saretzki and colleagues from the University of Graz, Austria, examined the creative performances of 92 preschool children and 70 adults in their 20s across three tasks: generating uses for a tin can, drawing fantasy animals, and inventing unique creatures.
While adults were rated as objectively more creative, preschoolers demonstrated greater motivation, enjoyment, and lower anxiety levels during the tasks. Surprisingly, more than three-quarters of adults believed preschoolers were more creative, likely due to children's enthusiasm and confidence in their creative abilities, similar to how sporty individuals are often perceived as skilled without necessarily winning competitions.
The study highlights that while adults generate more original and effective ideas, preschoolers are more engaged and confident in their creativity. Future research aims to understand why adults tend to rate themselves as less creative than children.
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