Creativity Theories and Themes: Research, Development, and Practice

An integrative introduction to the theories and themes in research on creativity, this book is both a reference work and text for courses in this burgeoning area of research. The book begins with a discussion of the theories of creativity (Person, Product, Process, Place), the general question of whether creativity is influenced by nature or nurture, what research has indicated of the personality and style of creative individuals from a personality analysis standpoint, how social context affects creativity, and then coverage of issues like gender differences, whether creativity can be enhanced, if creativity is related to poor mental or physical health, etc.

The book contains boxes covering special interest items including one page biographies of famous creative individuals and activities for a group or individual to test and/or encourage creativity, as well as references to internet sites relating to creativity.

*Breaks down the major theories about creativity but doesn't restrict to a singular perspective
*Includes extensive citations of existing literature
*Textbook features included (i.e., key terms defined)

Mark A. Runco, Ph.D. is Professor of Child and Adolescent Studies at California State University, Fullerton and earned a PhD in Cognitive Psychology from the Claremont Graduate School. His dissertation was on divergent thinking and he has studied creativity ever since. He founded the Creativity Research Journal over 20 years ago and remains Editor-in-Chief. He is currently the E. Paul Torrance Professor of Creative Studies at the University of Georgia, Athens. He is also Director of the Torrance Creativity Center, a Fellow and Past President of the American Psychological Association's Division 10 (Psychology, Art, and Creativity). His textbook on creativity was released by Academic Press in 2007. He is founder and continuing editor of the Creativity Research Journal and acts as senior editor of the Perspectives on Creativity book series. Author of over 120 books, chapters, and articles in the area of creativity, he is a fellow and past president of the American Psychological Association's Division 10 (Psychology and the Arts). Dr. Runco is recipient of a Spencer Foundation Research Grant and also of the Early Scholar Award from the National Association for Gifted Children.