Kuschel, Forster, and Denzler (2010) explain these results through the cognitive
tuning model. This model suggests that an individual’s internal state informs them about
their current situation, whether it is dangerous or safe, and can then conveys the
processing requirements for that situation. Negative states signal a problematic or
dangerous environment and will then convey a more systematic and detail-oriented
processing style. While in this processing style, each solution that could change the
situation would be carefully assessed and less creative thinking would be used because
untested solutions could act to make the current situation worse. On the other hand,
positive states signal a safe environment and will convey a more risky processing style. It
is thought that internal knowledge structures desire to be enriched with new information
and this can lead to more creative thinking