Creativity - Cognitive, personal, developmental, and social aspects

Although many psychologists have expressed an interest in the phenomenon of creativity, psychological research on this topic did not rapidly, expand u ntil after J. P. Guilford claimed in his 1950 APA presidential address, tha t this topic deserved far more attention than it was then receiving. This a rticle reviews the progress psychologists have mane in understanding creati vity, since Guilford's call to arms. Research progress has taken place on 4 fronts: the cognitive processes involved in the creative act, the distinct ive characteristics of the creative person, the development non manifestati on of creativity across the individual life span, and the social environmen ts most strongly associated with creative activity. Although some important questions remain unanswered, psychologists now know more than ever before about how individuals achieve this special and significant form of optimal human functioning.