How strong is the evidence that the DMN actually drives creative thinking?
The evidence is strong and includes causal proof, not just correlations. In a landmark 2022 study, surgeons stimulated a DMN node during awake brain surgery while patients performed the Alternate Uses Task (AUT)—a standard test of divergent thinking. Direct stimulation of the DMN reduced the number of creative uses participants could generate by roughly 30% compared to stimulation of non-DMN areas [6]. This is causal evidence: disrupt the DMN, and creative fluency drops.
A 2024 study using stereo-EEG (electrodes placed directly in the brain) in 13 patients found that DMN regions showed a stronger increase in gamma-band power (30–70 Hz) during creative tasks compared to the fronto-parietal network, and that stimulating DMN sites with electrical current specifically reduced the originality of responses on the AUT without affecting fluency or mind wandering [1]. This suggests the DMN is causally involved in generating novel connections between concepts.
A 2025 neurofeedback study trained 15 people to increase connectivity between the DMN and the executive control network (ECN) using real-time brain imaging. The next day, those who received DMN–ECN training showed significantly higher idea originality on a creative thinking task compared to a control group that trained a different brain connection [3]. This provides causal evidence that DMN–ECN coupling specifically enhances creative output.
Does the DMN work alone, or does it need help from other brain networks?
The DMN does not act in isolation—it works in dynamic partnership with the executive control network (ECN). A massive 2025 study analyzed resting-state fMRI data from 2,433 people across 10 labs in 5 countries and found that creative ability (divergent thinking) could be reliably predicted by the number of times the brain switched between DMN and ECN states. Importantly, the relationship was an inverted-U: moderate switching predicted the highest creativity, while too much or too little switching was less optimal [4]. This suggests creativity requires a balanced dance between spontaneous idea generation (DMN) and focused evaluation (ECN).
A 2023 study of 1,911 participants identified 'control-default hubs'—brain regions that sit at the intersection of the DMN and the frontoparietal control network—as the most critical for creative thinking. These hubs showed the most diverse functional connectivity profiles and were strongly linked to creative performance on tasks [7]. So the DMN's contribution to creativity is amplified when it interacts with control networks.
Flow states—those moments of effortless, immersive creativity—also involve DMN–ECN synergy. A 2026 review of nine neuroimaging studies found that flow is associated with down-regulation of core DMN regions (reducing self-referential thought) and increased activity in lateral prefrontal areas (ECN), with functional connectivity between these typically anti-correlated networks [8]. This integrated state supports simultaneous idea generation and goal-directed processing.
What are the caveats and limitations of this research?
Despite the strong evidence, some researchers urge caution. A 2025 opinion paper argues that the dominant DMN–ECN narrative may be 'Occam's razor misapplied'—the simplest explanation that fits the data, but one that glosses over three major problems: (1) vast variability in how creativity is scored across studies, (2) homogeneous interpretations despite heterogeneous findings, and (3) failure to account for individual differences in the creative process [2]. In other words, the field may be over-simplifying a complex reality.
The DMN is also implicated in rumination and depression. A 2023 study found that individuals at risk for depression showed greater DMN activation when processing negative self-referential information, and this activation correlated with rumination [5]. This means the same network that supports creative idea generation can also support maladaptive thinking patterns, depending on context and individual differences.
Not all studies find a direct correlation between DMN connectivity and creativity. A 2022 study on dream recall found that high dream recallers had greater DMN connectivity and higher creativity scores, but there was no significant correlation between the two measures within individuals [9]. This suggests the relationship may be indirect or moderated by other factors.
Finally, the DMN's role changes with age. A 2021 study found that younger adults showed more widespread DMN–ECN connectivity during creative cognition compared to older adults, and that older adults relied more on cerebellar networks [10]. So the DMN's contribution to creativity is not fixed across the lifespan.
Sources used in this answer
Default mode network electrophysiological dynamics and causal role in creative thinking
Stereo-EEG recordings in 13 patients showed DMN recruitment during creative tasks, with gamma power increases and theta power decreases; direct cortical stimulation of DMN sites reduced originality of responses on the Alternate Uses Task.
Occam’s razor misapplied: Pinpointing the role of the default mode network in creativity
Argues that the dominant DMN–ECN explanation for creativity may be 'Occam's razor misapplied' due to variability in scoring, heterogeneous findings, and failure to account for individuality.
Enhancing creativity with covert neurofeedback: causal evidence for default-executive network coupling in creative thinking.
Covert neurofeedback training of DMN–ECN coupling in 15 participants led to increased coupling during a creative task and enhanced idea originality 24 hours later, providing causal evidence.
Dynamic switching between brain networks predicts creative ability
In 2,433 participants across 10 samples, creativity was predicted by the number of DMN–ECN switches, with an inverted-U relationship indicating optimal creativity at moderate switching.
The default mode network and rumination in individuals at risk for depression
Females at risk for depression (high neuroticism) showed greater DMN activation (medial prefrontal cortex and inferior parietal lobule) when hearing criticism, and this activation correlated with rumination.
The default network is causally linked to creative thinking
Direct cortical stimulation of a DMN node during awake brain surgery in patients reduced the number of alternate uses generated on the Alternate Uses Task, providing causal evidence linking DMN to creative fluency.
Diverse functional interaction driven by control-default network hubs supports creative thinking
In 1,911 participants, 'control-default hubs' at the intersection of DMN and frontoparietal control networks showed the most diverse connectivity and were strongly related to creative performance.
Enhanced functional connectivity between the default mode network and executive control network during flow states may facilitate creativity and emotional regulation, and may improve health outcomes.
A review of 9 studies found that flow states involve DMN down-regulation and enhanced DMN–ECN connectivity, supporting creativity and emotional regulation.
High Dream Recall Frequency is Associated with Increased Creativity and Default Mode Network Connectivity
High dream recallers (n=28) showed greater DMN connectivity and higher creativity scores than low recallers (n=27), but no significant correlation between creativity and DMN connectivity within individuals.
Healthy Aging Alters the Functional Connectivity of Creative Cognition in the Default Mode Network and Cerebellar Network
Younger adults showed more widespread DMN–ECN connectivity during creative cognition than older adults; older adults relied more on cerebellar networks.