Motivational, Cognitive and Emotional Factors as Predictors of Creative Expression in University Students

Objective: This study analyzes how motivational, cognitive, and emotional factors influence students' creative expression, highlighting its importance for personal and professional development in academic settings. Theoretical Framework: The research is grounded in key concepts such as intrinsic and extrinsic motivation, cognitive factors, and emotional factors, which are essential for the creative process in educational contexts. Method: A linear regression analysis was conducted with a sample of 163 university students from various disciplines. The dependent variable was creative expression, while the independent variables included intrinsic motivation, extrinsic motivation, cognitive factors, and emotional factors. Results and Discussion: The results revealed that intrinsic motivation (β = 0.3872, p < .001), cognitive factors (β = 0.2698, p < .001), and emotional factors (β = 0.2193, p < .001) are significant predictors of creative expression, with intrinsic motivation being the most influential. Extrinsic motivation showed no significant relationship (β = 0.043, p = 0.482). These findings suggest that, in artistic workshops, students are driven more by internal factors than by external incentives. Implications of the Research: The results are relevant for designing educational programs that prioritize intrinsic motivation and emotional engagement, fostering creativity in students. Originality/Value: This study identifies the differential impact of intrinsic and extrinsic motivations, offering new perspectives to promote creativity in artistic educational contexts.