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Creativity. Cognitive, personal, developmental, and social aspects.
1Department of Psychology, One Shields Avenue, University of California, Davis, CA 95616-8686, USA. dksimonton@ucdavis.edu
The American Psychologist
|June 8, 2001
Summary
Psychological research on creativity significantly expanded after a 1950 address. Current understanding covers cognitive processes, personal traits, lifespan development, and social environments influencing creative functioning.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Cognitive Science
Background:
- Psychologists have long been interested in creativity, but research lagged until J. P. Guilford's 1950 presidential address emphasized its importance.
- Guilford's call to action spurred significant growth in psychological research on creativity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the progress in psychological understanding of creativity since 1950.
- To synthesize research findings across key domains of creativity.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of psychological research on creativity.
- Synthesis of findings across four major research fronts.
Main Results:
- Progress has been made in understanding the cognitive processes underlying creative acts.
- Distinctive characteristics of creative individuals have been identified.
- The development and manifestation of creativity across the lifespan are better understood.
- Social environments conducive to creative activity have been investigated.
Conclusions:
- Psychological research has substantially advanced the understanding of creativity.
- While some questions persist, significant insights have been gained into optimal human functioning and creativity.