Growth from deficiency creativity to being creativity

Abstract

Creativity as a spur for growth is presented as an alternative view of creative motivation. This view uses Maslow's (1962) descriptors of deficiency and being from his theory of self‐actualization. Two constructs of creative motivation are defined: deficiency creativity, which is motivated by the need for acceptance and love, and can help an individual turn a deprived environment into a nurturing one; and being creativity, which is motivated by the higher level growth needs for self‐actualization and may bring a transcendent satisfaction for both the artist and audience. Forms of deficiency creativity can result in a wide range of responses including anxiety, coping, insight, growth, and eventual forms of being creativity. Selected individual determinants of creativity are discussed, including a problem‐finding orientation, introversion, and childhood trauma. Interactions of these factors are examined to determine their impact on the individual's use of deficiency creativity as a tool for survival and pot...