Enhanced functional connectivity between the default mode network and executive control network during flow states may facilitate creativity and emotional regulation, and may improve health outcomes

Front. Behav. Neurosci., 08-Jan-2026

Flow is characterized by complete immersion and optimal engagement in a task, striking a balance between challenge and skill. Recent neuroimaging studies suggest that flow involves dynamic interactions among large-scale brain networks, particularly the default mode network (DMN) and the executive control network (ECN). This review aims to synthesize current findings on how flow-related DMN–ECN connectivity supports creativity and emotional regulation (ER).

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How the arts heal: a review of the neural mechanisms behind the therapeutic effects of creative arts on mental and physical health

Front. Behav. Neurosci., 01-Oct-2024

The creative arts have long been known for their therapeutic potential. These modalities, which include dance, painting, and music, among others, appear to be effective in enhancing emotional expression and alleviating adverse physiological and psychological effects.

This study aims to systematically review research investigating the neurological mechanisms activated during active or passive engagement in creative arts, with a specific emphasis on the roles of the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and the amygdala in emotional regulation (ER) and creative behaviors. The review seeks to provide preliminary evidence for the possible existence of common neural mechanisms underlying both phenomena, which could inform the development of targeted therapeutic interventions leveraging creative arts for ER.

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