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Background: Trait creativity is linked to brain functional connectivity, but prior studies have focused on isolated networks, neglecting whole-brain architecture. Extraversion overlaps with creativity, yet its neural mechanisms remain unclear. Objective: Our objective was to investigate whether whole-brain functional network modularity (Q) mediates the relationship between extraversion and trait creativity. Methods: Forty-three healthy university students underwent resting-state fMRI and completed extraversion and creativity scales. Whole-brain functional networks were constructed using the AAL atlas. Modularity (Q) was computed from binary networks. Bivariate correlations and mediation analysis were performed. Results: Extraversion correlated positively with creativity (r = 0.38, p = .011) and modularity (r = 0.37, p = .014). Modularity correlated positively with creativity (r = 0.41, p = .007). Mediation analysis revealed a significant indirect effect of extraversion on creativity through modularity (ab = 0.113, 95% CI 0.005, 0.275), with a non-significant direct effect. Conclusions: Whole-brain network modularity statistically mediates the extraversion–creativity relationship. Higher extraversion is associated with increased modularity, which in turn is associated with higher creativity. These findings provide preliminary associative evidence for a brain network basis linking personality to trait creativity. The results reflect cross-sectional statistical patterns and require replication in larger, longitudinal samples.
Ding et al. (Mon,) studied this question.