ABSTRACT This study synthesizes quantitative research on the relationship between creativity and bilingualism. Extant literature underlines the role of developmental, cognitive, and socio‐cultural factors to explain the nature of the relationship between creativity and bilingualism. While decades of research frequently indicate a positive link, contrary or mixed evidence has also been documented, necessitating a comprehensive analysis of existing quantitative data to understand the direction and strength of this relationship. Additionally, identifying factors contributing to inconsistent outcomes is crucial. Thus, we estimated the mean effects and examined various potential sources of variation, including study and participant characteristics, as well as measurement and bilingualism‐related factors, to shed light into the heterogeneity. Addressing these objectives, we analyzed 312 effect sizes from 39 studies ( N = 4,917) and found a mean effect size of Pearson r = .181, 95% CI [.096, .263]. This finding shows that bilinguals are overall more creative than monolinguals. Furthermore, a significant difference was observed in the mean effects between test modality categories, with studies using numerical modality reporting significantly larger effect sizes compared to those using action/movement modality. We discuss the findings with research and practical implications.

Selcuk Acar

Bhoj Balayar

Hatice Nur Ozcelik

Anatoliy V. Kharkhurin

The Journal of Creative Behavior

The Journal of Creative Behavior is our quarterly academic journal citing the most current research in creative thinking. For nearly four decades JCB has been the benchmark scientific periodical in the field. It provides up to date cutting-edge ideas about creativity in education, psychology, business, arts and more.

The Journal of Creative Behavior is a quarterly academic journal that focuses on the latest research in creative thinking. For nearly four decades, the Journal of Creative Behavior has been the benchmark scientific periodical in this field. It offers cutting-edge ideas about creativity in education, psychology, business, arts, and more.

《Journal of Creative Behavior》是一本季度学术期刊，专注于最新的创造性思维研究。近四十年来，《Journal of Creative Behavior》一直是该领域的标杆科学期刊。它提供了关于教育、心理学、商业、艺术等领域创造力的最新前沿思想。

Category	Quartile
心理学	2
心理学, 心理学教育	3

Are Bilinguals More Creative Than Monolinguals? A Meta‐Analysis

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Journal Info

Category	Quartile
PSYCHOLOGY, EDUCATIONAL	2