Creativity and Human Development towards Self-Actualization

Abstract

This chapter further discusses the nature of creativity: creativity as the core of all life skills, as a major component of human intelligence, and as the most important topic in education of the gifted and talented students. Nations rely on youth to use their skills at the highest level possible to contribute to improving all life aspects including creatively solving problems, developing genuine innovations, and leading communities to productivity. Literature indicates that creativity should be nurtured in all students to become successful continued learners, and in gifted students to facilitate their talent development and extend their growth in optimal ways. As such, a broad conceptualization of creativity along with recommended teaching practices is proposed based on the humanistic approach and positive psychology for fostering creativity as human development towards self-actualization.