To understand more about divergent thinking, it may help to contrast it with convergent thinking. Whereas divergent thinking involves generating multiple solutions to a problem through creativity, convergent thinking uses logical, linear steps to analyze information and determine a single, well-defined solution.
Some fundamental differences between divergent and convergent thinking include the following:
Divergent and convergent thinking can interplay throughout the problem-solving process. For example, if you’re asked to solve a problem, you can use divergent thinking to generate as many ideas as possible and then use convergent thinking to narrow down which of those ideas is best suited to your unique situation. Then, you can return to divergent thinking to generate ideas for how that solution could work and return to convergent thinking to develop a step-by-step plan for implementing that plan.
In creative problem-solving, the divergent stage pushes individuals to generate as many ideas as possible. Below are some examples of how to use divergent thinking:
People often use convergent thinking to determine the most appropriate solutions in problem-solving. This format can also be a way to refine and make sense of multiple ideas generated by divergent thinking. Below are several convergent thinking techniques:
Below are a few ways to stimulate divergent thinking.
Challenge yourself to come up with new ideas in a specific category every day for a week. For example, on Monday, you might try to come up with at least ten titles for your autobiography. On Tuesday, you could think of possible names for a new pet, and on Wednesday, different ways to arrange your bedroom furniture. This practice can enhance your verbal creativity as you work to articulate unique ideas in different areas.
Choose an everyday object, set a five-minute timer, and write down as many alternate uses for the object as possible. For example, if your object was a towel, some alternate uses you might come up with could be using it as a blanket, rolling it up and putting it at the base of a door to stop drafts, wrapping it around your shoulders as a shawl, or folding it and using it as a seat cushion. This exercise mirrors how divergent thinkers approach problems by generating multiple creative solutions for a single object or concept.
In the evening, imagine that the news was covering your day. What would the headlines be? Think about the significant events of your day and come up with at least three headlines. For example, you might say, “Woman sleeps in but manages to make it to work on time,” or “Man forgets to defrost the chicken for dinner.” You can also incorporate other people and stimuli you see throughout your day, like, “Person at the bus stop wearing yellow sweater today” or “Neighborhood dog being pushed in a baby stroller.”
Because divergent thinking encourages individuals to explore as many ideas as possible, it can have many benefits in everyday life.
Divergent thinking encourages people to think creatively to generate new, innovative ideas. This technique may help people learn to move beyond conventional thinking patterns and explore new ideas, enabling them to develop a learning mindset and hone their creative process.
Divergent thinking can also improve problem-solving skills because this format encourages people to consider various approaches from different angles. As a result, people may become more equipped to figure out the best solution to a problem. The most effective solution might not be what one expects or the most popular solution in a group.
Creative thinking can also influence open-mindedness because it encourages people to consider all perspectives and be open to all ideas without criticism or judgment. Divergent thinking can increase self-esteem by teaching people to trust in their own ideas and think independently. People can learn to value their own perspectives, which may improve self-worth.
Recent research also found that divergent thinking may improve or prevent depressed mood. This research investigated whether engaging in active problem-focused coping, like problem-solving, or decreasing the odds of emotion-focused coping could prevent depressed mood in young people aged 18 to 25.
The results showed a positive relationship between divergent thinking and positive reappraisal, or reframing events as benign or beneficial, and a negative link between divergent thinking and negative coping. Researchers concluded that divergent thinking could help young adults learn more ways to deal with stressors and reduce feelings of resignation, hopelessness, and uncontrolled negative expression, promoting “coping strategies that can serve as a prophylaxis for hopelessness in young adults that is generally related to depressed mood.”
If you’re experiencing symptoms of depression, working with a mental health professional may be beneficial. A therapist can help clients learn problem-solving techniques or guide them through other therapeutic strategies that can help them learn to manage depression symptoms. However, some people experiencing depression may find it challenging to travel for in-person therapy appointments. With an online platform like BetterHelp, clients can attend sessions from the comfort of home at a time that works for them. In addition, individuals can message their therapist anytime, no matter when they are experiencing symptoms.
In addition to being convenient and flexible, research shows that online treatment is effective. One review of 17 studies found that online Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for depression may be more effective than face-to-face counseling, as well as being more affordable for many clients.
Frequently Asked Questions
Divergent thinkers explore many possible solutions, focusing on creativity and flexibility, while convergent thinkers aim to find the single best answer using logic and structure.
Verbal creativity requires generating unique ideas and perspectives, a process that aligns well with the open-ended, explorative nature of divergent thinking.