Understanding Creativity

JOHN S. DACEY is professor of developmental psychology in the Department of Counseling, Developmental Psychology, and Research Methods at Boston College. He is the author or coauthor of several psychology textbooks on child, adolescent, and lifespan development. KATHLEEN H. LENNON teaches courses in the psychology of adult development at Framingham State College.

• Part One: Introduction. 1. The Many Components of Creativity. 2. A Brief History of the Concept of Creativity. Part Two: Social Factors. 3. The Role of the Family. 4. The Role of the Social Context. Part Three: Psychological Factors. 5. Ten Traits that Contribute to the Creative Personality. 6. The Special Contribution of Self-Control. 7. The Formation of Creative Personality Traits. 8. Creative Cognitive Processes. 9. Creative Problem Solving. Part Four: Biological Factors. 10. The Brain at the Cellular Level. 11. The Hemispheres of the Brain. Part Five: Integration. 12. A New Biopsychosocial Explanation of Creativity.

"This book by Dacey and Lennon combines the wonder and awe of human creativity with the complexity of its study. The authors advance the 'biopsychosocial' perspective as a model of the creative process.... This new perspective promises to further our understanding of the 'intricacies of the creative mind.' In the process of studying this book, readers may increase the probability of enhancing their own creativity." (Richard E. Ripple, professor, educational and developmental psychology, Cornell University) "Many intriguing ideas. Solidly researched and up-to-date. A must read for anyone interested in the puzzle of creativity." (David F. Hayes, Peabody and Brown) "Dacey and Lennon have created a new way of looking at creativity and creative problem solving. Taking a giant step beyond traditional psychological and psychosocial models, the authors have joined biological research with that from the fields of cognitive psychology and social psychology. This highly integrated approach provides a more comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted findings of creativity research. The authors consider the reciprocal effects of the many diverse elements of their model on the development of individual creativity. In addition to reviewing current research, they set the stage for further scholarship, where their theoretical hypotheses can be empirically explored. A thought-provoking and fascinating work." (Susan Besemer, professor, SUNY College at Fredonia)