The Relationship Between Well-Being and Creative Thinking Skills in Education

Well-being, as an integral element of sustainability, contributes significantly to economic, social and environmental progress. Strategic frameworks such as the OECD Well-being Framework highlight key factors influencing well-being in Finland, including skills and R&D, green transition, gender equality, health and social cohesion. In education, the recent decline in PISA science scores underscores the importance of strengthening well-being and investing in future skills. Well-being is commonly understood as how people feel and function personally and socially, shaped by emotional, cognitive, behavioural and relational dimensions. In recent years, it has become central to educational discourse, emphasising holistic learning, social-constructivist approaches and whole-child development. Within this broader context, our study analyses the relationship between well-being and creative thinking skills. We apply the CAT’s Model, which identifies four learning climates – sun, storm, space and soil – that foster creative attitudes and support the development of creative thinking skills. These climates promote inspiration, challenge, free thinking and the integration of diverse experiences. Classroom practices such as drama activities, play-based learning, interdisciplinary collaboration and critical thinking tasks illustrate how the model can be implemented effectively. The CAT’s Model develops creative thinking through expertise, imagination, critical thinking and the ability to form novel connections. Our study provides practical examples of the model in application. We conclude that creative processes allowing freedom of expression enhance well-being, influence learning across the lifespan and support the development of positive personal traits.