The Neuroscience Behind Narrow-Mindedness: Why Artistic Freedom Is Not a Whim

(Disclaimer: The author is not a medical professional. This is not a medical article).

‘Artistic freedom’ (like many others) has become a bit of a loaded term.

And despite the complexities and controversy involved, if there’s one aspect I can confirm about the topic, from experience it is this:

There’s a lot of mythology about artists and our need for freedom.

Let’s unpack and bust some of these.

Social Expectations

Social norms (even the self-proclaimed ‘broad-minded’ ones), tend to favor conformity by default. 

Mutual consent has always been a vague to non-existent practice in that dynamic.

Similarly, most pedagogical structures to date, remain rigid, with external expectations dominating the narrative.

Simply put, participants in society or an institution are either ‘rewarded’ or ‘punished’, based on how well they perform and fulfill identical tasks and expectations.

Sound crazy? It usually does when unpacked that way.

This is where the additional irony of artists historically being labeled with words like ‘whimsical’, ‘eccentric’, ‘weird’, or ‘overly sensitive’ comes in.

On closer investigation, most of us will be surprised when we realize that all of these criticisms overlook a crucial point: artistic freedom is not merely an indulgence—it is most probably a human necessity deeply rooted in the physiology of the brain.  

Befuddled yet? Keep reading.

Creativity vs. Survival

A lot of musicians may not be aware of this but verified research has revealed information that easily confirms the adverse effects of toxic pedagogy and poor relationship dynamics on cognitive health for a while now.

Those unpleasant situations in classes and rehearsal rooms that leave us feeling 'damaged'?

They’re not just random feelings.

To comprehend why artistic freedom may be essential, it helps to have a basic awareness of how the brain operates under stress.

When we feel threatened (stress on ‘feel’, which may not be a 100% accurate compass, but bear with), the brain activates what is referred to a "fight-or-flight" response—a primal mechanism designed for survival.In some cases, this response can also include a "freeze" reaction, where the individual feels emotionally or even physically paralyzed, unable to act or think clearly.

The amygdala, a region of the brain associated with emotional processing, signals the release of stress hormones, such as cortisol and adrenaline.

These hormones prepare the body to respond to danger by heightening alertness, quickening the heart rate, and focusing attention on immediate threats.

It’s a natural biological response our ancestors passed on to us from back in the day when they’d literally be ‘fighting for survival’, dealing with predators and natural calamity.

To be fair, it was the best chance they had at survival. And a necessary state of vigilance required for the same.

But in the modern age where we don’t necessarily have wild animals waiting to feed on us and the perks of concrete housing (in most parts of the world), this heightened state of vigilance comes at a cost.

Meet the Pre-frontal Cortex

When in survival mode, the brain shifts its resources. 

They move away from the area involved in complex problem-solving and creative thinking: this area is primarily the prefrontal cortex.

The prefrontal cortex is responsible for higher-order cognitive functions such as planning, imagination, and abstract thinking.

In other words, the exact functions that are vital for creativity.

When the brain is flooded with stress hormones, its activity is suppressed, leading to a narrowed focus.

We literally become narrow-minded!

This state known as "cognitive rigidity".

Cognitive rigidity is the antithesis to the mental ‘flexibility’ required for creative thinking.

When in this state, we find it difficult to think outside the box, generate new ideas, or see different perspectives. 

Our brain, in essence, is trapped in a loop of ‘defensive’ thinking.

All it is capable of at this point, is to defend itself against the non-existenting fangs of a sabre-tooth tiger or the crushing winds of a fatal thunderstorm.

Needless to say, this isn’t exactly compatible with the more relaxed, expansive, and exploratory mindset necessary for artistic creation.

(Image courtesy: Wikiversity)

Artistic Freedom: A Physiological Need, Not a Luxury

Given this understanding, one could argue, that artistic freedom is not just a philosophical ideal—but a physiological necessity. Furthermore, one might argue it is also representative of a more ‘enlightened’ society. One where base-level survival is not in doubt.

"The creation of something new is not accomplished by the intellect but by the play instinct acting from inner necessity. The creative mind plays with the objects it loves." ---Carl Jung, Psychological Types (1921)

When artists are placed in environments where we feel judged, controlled, or unsupported, our brains are more likely to activate the fight-or-flight response. The resulting cognitive rigidity will potentially hinder our ability to engage in the kind of imaginative, boundary-pushing work artistic endeavors are meant to be a testimony to.

In environments where rigid expectations and harsh critiques are norms, the impact that can take on creativity is still grossly underestimated.

Research shows that chronic exposure to stress could not only impair cognitive function but even lead to long-term changes in the brain's structure.

A study published in *Nature Reviews Neuroscience* found that prolonged stress reduces the volume of the hippocampus, a brain region critical for memory and learning, further diminishing the brain's capacity for creative thought.

Additionally, poor internal relationship dynamics, whether in collaborative artistic settings, rehearsals, or in the studio, can exacerbate this issue grossly. 

Interpersonal conflict, lack of trust, and feelings of inadequacy or codependency, all contribute to a heightened state of stress, reinforcing the cycle of cognitive rigidity.

They create a vicious cycle of narrow-mindedness!

The Science Supports Artistic Freedom

Numerous studies support the notion that stress and creativity are inversely related.

For example, a study published in *Neuropsychologia* found that individuals under stress performed worse on tasks requiring creative problem-solving compared to those in a relaxed state.

Another study in the *Journal of Experimental Social Psychology* highlighted that even subtle environmental cues, such as the presence of a judgmental observer, can significantly reduce creative output.

These are only a couple of findings that underscore the importance of fostering environments where artists feel safe, supported, and free to explore. Confining artistic freedom to an idealistic concept that’s just about avoiding criticism or discipline is simply not accurate. It’s a lot bigger than that.

This might sound a bit dramatic, but as educators, co-artists, and collaborators, we bear the responsibility of co-creating the eco-system necessary for healthy brains to function at their creative best.

It’s only when we are free from the pressures that trigger the fight-or-flight response, that our brains feel safe enough to enter a state of "flow"—a psychological state characterized by deep focus, effortless action, and heightened creativity.

In this flow state, the prefrontal cortex is highly active, enabling the kind of integrative, ‘broad-minded’ thinking that leads to innovative artistic work.

Freedom Through Discipline: The Foundation of True Artistic Expression

It is important to clarify that artistic freedom should not be mistaken for an excuse to bypass discipline, training, or the pursuit of mastery in one's craft. While the act of creation requires a sense of freedom and psychological safety, it presupposes that the artist or musician has "paid their dues," as jazz musicians often say.

Art and music are highly qualified vocations, demanding rigorous study, technical proficiency, and a deep understanding of one’s medium that is only gained through sufficient experience usually . Freedom and discipline, far from being opposites, are two sides of the same coin; discipline provides the structure and skillset that allow freedom to manifest meaningfully. Without this foundational knowledge, the concept of artistic freedom risks devolving into a quasi-anarchistic approach, where creativity is mistaken for a lack of structure or accountability. Such an approach not only undermines the integrity of the arts but also disrupts the broader ecosystem that relies on standards of excellence and shared values.

True artistic freedom, is not the absence of discipline but its culmination—a dynamic interplay between mastery and spontaneity that allows the artist to push boundaries without losing touch with the craft’s traditions and technical foundations.

Cultivating Creative Environments: Solutions and Strategies

Understanding the above (very basic) neuroscience behind creativity offers valuable insights. But can we actively cultivate environments that support artistic freedom?

Yes. And that’s the good news.

Here are some strategies to do so.

1. **Encouraging Psychological Safety** 

Artists need to feel that they are in a safe space where their ideas and expressions are valued, not judged. This means fostering a culture of trust and open communication in both educational and collaborative settings.

This is not as black and white as many would like to think. Diversity (another essential aspect to art), includes friction as an inherent component. 

So these environments need to not ‘coddle’, but encourage and even train open and healthy debating etiquette. Hence offering artists the space to genuinely grow without a sense of isolation or escapism.

2. **Minimize Stressors** 

While some level of challenge can stimulate creativity, chronic and meaningless stress is severely detrimental. It's important to create environments that reduce unnecessary pressures, such as unrealistic deadlines or unnecessarily harsh critiques. 

(For more on this, read my post on toxic pedagogy).

3. **Promoting Autonomy** 

Excessive control or micromanagement is one of the most underestimated detriments to art. Being mindful of that brand of baggage is crucial to prevent cognitive rigidity. Autonomy supports intrinsic motivation, helping sustain long-term creative engagement.

4. **Embracing Failure as a Learning Tool** 

Fear of failure is a significant source of stress for many artists. By reframing failure as an essential part of the creative process, educators and collaborators can help reduce this fear and encourage more risk-taking in artistic work.

(Read my post on the benefits of failure here)

5. **Supportive Mentorship** 

Positive mentoring relationships help counteract the negative effects of stress. Holistic mentors who provide both individual and general guidance, encouragement, and constructive feedback help artists develop resilience and confidence in their creative abilities.

Conclusion

Artistic freedom is far from a myth or some utopic state fairy tales are made of—on the contrary, it is not just a critical component of the creative process, but representative of one of the healthiest states of mind possible, grounded in the brain's neurophysiology.

In recognizing some basic neuroscience behind it, we’re not just trying to validate the experiences of artists but also challenging the outdated notion that artistic freedom is a luxury, and suggesting that it might be a biological imperative for mental health.

When artists are forced into environments where they feel defensive or judged, their brains keep trying to do an impossible dance between survival and creation mode.

This doesn’t just inhibit the mental flexibility required for creativity but eventually exhausts the practitioner (burn-out is not mythology!). By understanding the mechanics behind this phenomenon, we can begin to appreciate the true significance of artistic freedom. And how it is in fact, an essential component of a healthy society.

So creating environments that foster psychological safety and promote authentic autonomy is not just beneficial—but possibly necessary for the flourishing of art and society itself.

Understanding how we can support our collaborators, co-artists, and students in reaching their full creative potential empowers our own, and in the best-case scenario, creates a ripple effect that benefits society in ways all of us would benefit from contemplating.

References:

1. Arnsten, A. F. T. (2009). Stress signalling pathways that impair prefrontal cortex structure and function. *Nature Reviews Neuroscience

2. Liston, C., McEwen, B. S., & Casey, B. J. (2009). Psychosocial stress reversibly disrupts prefrontal processing and attentional control. *Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 106*(3), 912-917.

3. Amabile, T. M., & Pratt, M. G. (2016). The dynamic componential model of creativity and innovation in organizations: Making progress, making meaning. *Research in Organizational Behavior, 36*, 157-183.

4. Martindale, C. (1999). Biological bases of creativity. In R. J. Sternberg (Ed.), *Handbook of Creativity* (pp. 137-152). Cambridge University Press.

5. Beilock, S. L., & Carr, T. H. (2005). When high-powered people fail: Working memory and "choking under pressure" in math. *Psychological Science, 16*(2), 101-105.

6. Csikszentmihalyi, M. (1990). *Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience*. Harper & Row.

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