Five Ways Curiosity Can Support Your Mental Wellbeing
By Natalia Bojanic
Socrates said that “Wonder is the beginning of wisdom.” In a more direct and practical way, Neil deGrasse Tyson, affirmed “No one is dumb who is curious.”
Curiosity, which can be defined as a desire to acquire new knowledge and experiences, is not only an attitude that supports the philosophical and cosmic minds, but it also plays a significant role in supporting our overall mental well-being.
Curiosity is one of the most elementary strengths and personality traits that psychologists study. Sylvan Tomkins (1962), a key researcher of positive emotions, thought that curiosity had huge evolutionary benefits. He said, “The importance of curiosity to thought and memory are so extensive that the absence…would jeopardise intellectual development no less than the destruction of brain tissue…there is no human competence which can be achieved in the absence of a sustaining interest”.
The definition of curiosity is not closed and researchers are still figuring out ways of measuring it.
Being curious can be defined as being interested in new things and having a receptive attitude whatever the target of attention (Bishop et al., 2004). As a consequence, when people feel curious, they devote more attention to an activity, process information more deeply, remember information better, and are more likely to persist on tasks until goals are met (Silvia, 2006).
Todd Barrett Kashdan, professor of psychology and director of the Well-Being Laboratory at George Mason University, together with other researchers, has contributed to several psychological studies highlighting the positive impacts of curiosity on mental health.
Here are some key findings:
1. Enhancement of Positive Emotions and Life Satisfaction
Curiosity has been linked to increased levels of positive emotions. Kashdan and Steger (2007) found that people who exhibited higher levels of trait curiosity experienced greater life satisfaction and more frequent feelings of joy and contentment.
Individuals who regularly engage in curiosity-driven behaviours report higher life satisfaction. The act of exploring new information and experiences contributes to a sense of purpose and fulfilment, Kashdan et al. (2013).
The take-away? Get out and wonder, go and explore. Try that new class, book that exotic trip, enjoy this adventure we call life!
2. Reduction of Anxiety
Curiosity can help in managing anxiety. When individuals approach novel situations with curiosity rather than fear, it can reduce the overall stress response. This approach is supported by Kashdan and Silvia (2009), who suggested that curiosity helps in reframing potentially anxiety-inducing situations as opportunities for growth and learning.
Fear narrows our perception and perspective, curiosity has the potential to bring new possibilities. Turn to curiosity next time anxiety starts to creep in.
3. Improved Coping Mechanisms
Curiosity encourages adaptive coping strategies. When faced with challenges, curious individuals are more likely to seek out new information and solutions rather than avoiding the problem. This proactive approach to problem-solving is linked to better psychological resilience (Kashdan & Roberts, 2004).
When you feel stuck, tap into curiosity as a platform to bounce back.
4. Enhancement of Social Relationships
Curiosity facilitates social interactions and the formation of social bonds. Kashdan et al. (2004) found that curious individuals are more likely to engage in conversations, show interest in others, and build meaningful relationships. These social connections are crucial for mental well-being.
So next time you are dreading attending a work event or a dinner party with people you don’t know, remember to take curiosity with you!
5. Cognitive Flexibility
Curiosity fosters cognitive flexibility, the ability to adapt one’s thinking to new and unexpected conditions. This flexibility is associated with better problem-solving skills and creativity, both of which contribute to mental resilience (Kashdan et al., 2009).
Curiosity is yoga for the mind, use it when you need to stretch your thinking.
Conclusion
Curiosity significantly contributes to mental well-being by enhancing positive emotions, reducing anxiety, promoting adaptive coping mechanisms, fostering personal growth, improving social relationships, and encouraging cognitive flexibility and creativity.
These and other benefits are supported by a substantial body of psychological research, emphasising the importance of nurturing curiosity throughout our life for mental wellbeing.