Psychological Researches in Management

Psychological Researches in Management

Exploring the effect of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation and coaching on ideation

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Afsaneh Kavousi 1
Ehsan Chitsaz 2
Abdol-hossein Vahabie 3
Mohammadamir Lotfi 4
1 MSc, Department of Entrepreneurship Development, Faculty of Entrepreneurship, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
2 Assistant Professor, Department of Entrepreneurship Development, Faculty of Entrepreneurship, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
3 Assistant Professor, Department of Machine Intelligence and Robotics, Technical Colleges of Tehran University, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
4 MSc, Department of Business Creation, Faculty of Entrepreneurship, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
10.22034/jom.2024.2022827.1167
Abstract
Purpose: In the contemporary landscape where innovative thinking is pivotal for competitive advantage, understanding and enhancing ideation processes is crucial. This study explores the combined impact of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) and cognitive-behavioral coaching on ideation. While rTMS, a non-invasive brain stimulation technique, has shown promise in enhancing neural plasticity, coaching interventions are designed to foster cognitive and behavioral changes conducive to creativity. This research aims to bridge the gap by investigating the simultaneous application of these methods to improve idea generation. Ideation, the process of generating creative and innovative ideas, is essential for problem-solving, decision-making, and maintaining a competitive edge. Neuroplasticity, the brain's ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections, plays a critical role in ideation. rTMS is known to enhance neural plasticity, particularly in brain areas related to creativity and cognitive functions. Concurrently, cognitive-behavioral coaching focuses on developing creative thinking skills through structured training and supportive interactions. Despite their merits, the combined effects of rTMS and coaching on ideation have not been extensively studied.
Design/Methodology/Approach: This study employed a pre-test/post-test experimental design with 40 students from the University of Tehran, who were actively interested in idea generation. Participants were recruited through an open call and randomly assigned to four groups of 10: rTMS only, coaching only, combined rTMS and coaching, and a control group. Each participant underwent five sessions of rTMS and five sessions of cognitive-behavioral coaching. The ideation performance was assessed using pre-test and post-test evaluations, with expert evaluators rating the originality and feasibility of the ideas generated. rTMS sessions were conducted at a frequency of 10 Hz, targeting the left posterior prefrontal cortex. Parameters included a 45-degree coil angle, 100% resting motor threshold, 75 trains of 5 seconds with 15-second intervals, totaling 3750 pulses. These settings were based on established safety guidelines and aimed to enhance neural activity in areas associated with creativity. Coaching sessions followed the ABCDEF model, a well-known cognitive-behavioral approach, and were conducted weekly over eight weeks. Participants in the combined rTMS and coaching group first received rTMS, followed by coaching sessions. The coaching focused on developing creative thinking skills, fostering a supportive environment, and encouraging open communication.
Findings: The analysis revealed no significant improvement in ideation in the coaching-only or rTMS-only groups compared to the control group. However, a significant increase in ideation was observed in the combined rTMS and coaching group. The synergy between rTMS and coaching suggests that their combined application can effectively enhance innovative thinking.
Discussion and Conclusion: The findings underscore the potential of combining rTMS and coaching to improve ideation. While rTMS enhances neural plasticity and cognitive flexibility, coaching provides the structured support needed to harness these neuroplastic changes effectively. This synergy creates an environment conducive to generating high-quality and feasible ideas. The study aligns with previous research indicating the situational nature of creativity, suggesting that interventions like coaching can enhance neural flexibility and, consequently, ideation. However, the limited number of coaching sessions and the virtual format may have constrained the effectiveness of coaching alone. The lack of significant results in the rTMS-only group might be attributed to the fewer and more spaced-out sessions compared to typical protocols. This study highlights the importance of integrative approaches to enhancing ideation. The combined use of rTMS and cognitive-behavioral coaching shows promise in significantly improving idea generation. By targeting both neural flexibility and cognitive-behavioral aspects, this approach provides a comprehensive method to foster creativity and innovation. Future research should explore longer and more intensive coaching programs alongside rTMS to further understand the dynamics of these interventions. The findings offer valuable insights for educational and organizational settings, suggesting that a combination of brain stimulation and cognitive-behavioral interventions can enhance creative capabilities. This research contributes to developing innovative strategies for fostering creativity, which is essential for problem-solving and maintaining competitive advantage in various fields. Further studies are needed to explore the long-term effects of combined rTMS and coaching interventions. Research should also investigate the optimal number and spacing of sessions to maximize the benefits. Additionally, examining different coaching models and their integration with rTMS can provide a deeper understanding of the mechanisms underlying their synergistic effects on ideation.
Keywords
Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS)
Cognitive-behavioral coaching
Ideation
Authenticity of ideas

Subjects

  1. رستمی، رضا (1396). پیش‌بینی‏کننده‌های بالینی پاسخ به درمان تحریک مکرر مغناطیسی فراجمجمه‏ای (rTMS) در بیماران مبتلا به اختلال افسردگی.پژوهش‌های کاربردی روانشناختی، 8(2)، 181-200. org/10.22059/JAPR.2014.67577
  2. ادیب‏فر، پدرام، چیت‏ساز، احسان، و اعتمادی، محمد (1402). بررسی نقش سن و حافظۀ کاری بر رابطۀ بین انگیزه و ریسک‏پذیری کارآفرینان بالقوه. پژوهش‏های کارآفرینی و نوآوری، 2(4)، 1-15. org/10.22034/eir.2024.183611
  3. اصلانی، فرشید، نوری، مهسا و حشمت‏زاده، عاطفه (1402). تأثیر ذهن‏آگاهی بر رضایت ارباب‏رجوعان با نقش میانجی خلاقیت و تعدیلگری تحمل خطای سازمانی.پژوهش‏های روانشناختی در مدیریت،  9(2)، 61-85. org/10.22034/jom.2023.709934
  4. اعتمادی، محمد، چیت‏ساز، احسان، ابوالقاسمی دهاقانی، محمدرضا، و قدرتی‏زاده، فراز (1402). تأثیر متقابل پاداش‌های پولی، انتظارات و کیفیت ایده‌: یک تحلیل تجربی. توسعۀ کارآفرینی، 16(4)، 116-142. org/10.22059/JED.2023.360337.654210
  5. قدرتی‏زاده، فراز، چیت‏ساز، احسان، و رستمی، رضا (۱۴۰۱) . بررسی اثر‌های پاداش‌های مالی پیاپی بر عملکرد ایده‌پردازی کارکنان در صنعت فناوری اطلاعات و ارتباطات کشور چین. پژوهش‏های مدیریت منابع سازمانی، ۱۲(۳)، ۱۵۳-۱۹۰. http://ormr.modares.ac.ir/article-28-61102-fa.html

 

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