Is imagination your superpower? The interactive role of curiosity and imagination in fostering psychological capital

Psychological capital (PsyCap) is a critical personal resource that supports behavioral proactivity and resilience in the face of challenges, yet its developmental antecedents remain underexplored. Drawing upon Broaden-and-Build Theory, this study investigates how two core dimensions of trait curiosity, namely stretching (the drive to seek new knowledge) and embracing (the willingness to tolerate uncertainty), foster the development of PsyCap over time. Furthermore, the study examines how three distinct forms of imagination (initiating, conceiving, and transforming) moderate these relationships. Using a two-wave, time-lagged design, data were collected from 519 trained volunteers participating in science education programs. Results indicate that both stretching and embracing curiosity significantly predict subsequent PsyCap, but these effects are uniquely moderated by different facets of imagination. More importantly, imagination exhibits a dual influence: depending on its type, it can either amplify or constrain the positive impact of curiosity on PsyCap development. These findings advance our understanding of the cognitive pathways underpinning PsyCap and highlight practical implications for designing interventions in educational and professional learning environments.