Pain as muse: How creative acts flourish in the shadow of struggle

Neurosci Biobehav Rev. 2026 Mar 19:106650. doi: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2026.106650. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Creative acts and pain involve complex sensory and emotional experiences originating from diverse sources. These experiences suggest the possible intersection of neural network models with learning roles and executive functions (EFs) for both constructs. Identifying and characterizing these commonalities may clarify the therapeutic potential of creativity in pain management. However, several challenges impede our ability to reach definitive conclusions on this matter. Therefore, we introduce these challenges, derived from current research on each construct. Then, we highlight several components relevant to each construct, including physiological mechanisms, neural network models, learning rules, and the advantages of adopting a multilevel approach. We also provide examples of how EFs' impairments may relate to pain sensitization in neurodevelopmental disorders and clinical conditions, such as attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder and autism spectrum disorders. Following these outlines, we propose solutions to each identified challenge. Finally, we present an overarching framework for future research that examines the relationship between creativity and pain, building on these proposed solutions. This framework, along with the proposed solutions, provides insightful guidance for various therapeutic opportunities to manage chronic pain through creative acts.

PMID:41864252 | DOI:10.1016/j.neubiorev.2026.106650