Effects of flotation rest on creative problem solving and originality

The purpose of the present study was to explore whether or not flotation re stricted environmental stimulation technique (REST) facilitates the creativ e problem-solving ability and originality. Sample 1 consisted of 40 subject s, 20 men and 20 women, randomly assigned in equal numbers to either a nonR EST group (armchair-sitting) or to a floating REST group. Both groups worke d on a 'chain puzzle' for 5 min and were then interrupted with 45 min of si tting or floating. The subjects were then given the task of continuing with the creative problem-solving test. Sample 2 consisted of 54 subjects, 27 m en and 27 women, randomly assigned in equal numbers to either a nonREST gro up (armchair-sitting), a dryREST group (lying on a couch in a dark room) or a flotation REST group. The groups then had to fill in a couple of paper-a nd-pen tests and were given scores on fluency, obvious answers, original an swers, elegance and deductive thinking. The results (impaired creative prob lem-solving ability and higher originality for the floating group) were int erpreted as an indication of cognitive function where the primary process s till dominates over the secondary process. (C) 1999 Academic Press.