Document Type
Report
Abstract
This paper examines the differences in creativity between children and adults, including certain components that can influence creativity, or in certain instances, can also diminish it. With the support of biographers, clinical psychologists, and scholars, this paper also includes information regarding the lives of two of the world’s most well-known artists, and in certain instances the challenges they faced regarding childhood and mental health. Growing up, it is often encouraged that children should develop their creativity and learn to make their own decisions without fear of failure. However, it is not commonly accepted in society for an individual to want to pursue an artistic career. This research thesis examines the start of a child’s life, understanding how imagination is established, and how creativity is created. This paper goes in-depth into the imagination process about the different forms of thinking, such as convergent and divergent thinking, and how they apply to creativity. As a child transitions into adolescence, it is understood that certain components can influence creativity into adulthood. Children are encouraged to explore their environments and creative outlooks on life, however, as adults, certain instances of creativity are frowned upon in society. This research shows the differences between a child’s creativity and an adult’s, and how certain aspects of life can affect it. It will discuss the physical and emotional components that can influence creativity at different levels, and dive into emotions, such as stress and anxiety, as well as neurological pathways that form in the brain. It will give insight into how these components can influence an individual’s mental state, and potentially, how it affects their creativity.
Disciplines
Art and Design | Arts and Humanities | Classics | Creative Writing | History of Art, Architecture, and Archaeology | Psychology
Publication Date
12-2023
Language
English
Faculty Mentor of Honors Project
Scott Hilton
License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Recommended Citation
Garca, Jordyn R., "WHY ARE WE CREATIVES? UNDERSTANDING THE PSYCHOLOGY OF CREATIVITY BETWEEN CHILDREN AND ADULTS WITH REFERENCES TO LEONARDO DA VINCI AND MICHELANGELO BUONARROTI" (2023). 2023 Fall Honors Capstone Projects. 7.
https://mavmatrix.uta.edu/honors_fall2023/7
Included in
Art and Design Commons, Classics Commons, Creative Writing Commons, History of Art, Architecture, and Archaeology Commons, Psychology Commons
Comments
I would like to give credit to my Lord and Savior for allowing me to attend college and graduate with Honors. Without him, I would not have been given this opportunity. I would like to give credit to my advisor, Scott Hilton, for encouraging me to be ambitious, not only in my Capstone, but also in my future. As an art student, I have always been pushed out from achieving anything that was considered "too smart," or "not in my expertise." As an artist, you learn to be proud of the things that you create, regardless of what others say, and I can proudly say that this thesis is art to me. And to my sissy, thank you for your constant support in my life. I'm sorry, but also not sorry I made you read this a million times. You helped me get here and I am forever grateful. Aunt Millie, this one's for you.