Improv may help people deal better with life’s uncertainty

CHICAGO — A study by researchers at the University of Michigan and Stony Brook University found that 20 minutes of improvisation experience causes people to feel more comfortable with, and tolerant of, uncertainty.

The researchers completed two experiments to determine if an improvisational theater experience could boost one’s well-being and creativity, according to the study posted on the website of the University of Michigan this month.

In one experiment, improvisation activity of one group was compared to that of another control group, with social interactions where people picked a friend to talk about, a movie to discuss and physical actions to demonstrate. The improvisation group showed improvement in divergent thinking, but both groups reported an increased feel-good factor and comfort with uncertainty.

A second experiment involved scripted social tasks for the control group, and in the improvisation group, tasks allowed participants to create their own interactions. In this experiment, only the improv group experienced increased positive emotions and comfort with uncertainty.

The study highlighted three key features of improvisation as an intervention: It engages creativity and idea discovery by working with others, improves mood and increases comfort with uncertain (unscripted) social interactions.

“Improvisation is shown in these experiments to produce benefits beyond everyday, routine social interactions,” said study co-author Colleen Seifert, a professor of psychology at the University of Michigan.

Overall, improvisation enhances psychological health without the negative stigmas and difficulties in access surrounding other therapeutic interventions, according to the researchers.

The study has been published in the journal, Thinking Skills and Creativity.