Creative thinking, recognized as a fundamental life skill, is a complex process influenced by cognitive load. While literature has addressed the integration of cognitive load theory into creative thinking research, a comprehensive synthesis is lacking. To address this gap, we conducted a systematic review and deductive thematic analysis, drawing from 33 eligible articles sourced from Web of Science (WoS), the Educational Resources Information Center (ERIC), and Scopus electronic databases. Thematic analysis identified diverse roles of cognitive load within creativity studies, including mediator, moderator, independent variable, dependent variable, and as a component of the theoretical framework. Management strategies for cognitive load in creativity research involve the use of external resources, environmental interventions, and self-regulation. Methodological considerations regarding internal and external validity are also discussed. This review offers implications for researchers and practitioners, informing future research directions and contributing to the effective management of cognitive load in creative thinking practices.

创造性思维被认为是一项基本的生活技能，是一个受认知负荷影响的复杂过程。虽然文献已经讨论了将认知负荷理论整合到创造性思维研究中，但缺乏全面的综合。为了弥补这一差距，我们对来自 Web of Science (WoS)、教育资源信息中心 (ERIC) 和 Scopus 电子数据库的 33 篇符合条件的文章进行了系统回顾和演绎主题分析。主题分析确定了认知负荷在创造力研究中的不同作用，包括中介变量、调节变量、自变量、因变量，并作为理论框架的组成部分。创造力研究中认知负荷的管理策略涉及外部资源的使用、环境干预和自我调节。还讨论了有关内部和外部有效性的方法论考虑因素。这篇综述为研究人员和实践者提供了启示，为未来的研究方向提供信息，并有助于有效管理创造性思维实践中的认知负荷。