Developing Creative Capacity in Adolescents:
The Role of Psychological States and Environmental Conditions
by Risheet Mazumdar
Abstract
Recent research indicates a decrease in creativity in adolescents despite an increase in cognitive development, raising concerns about the development of creativity for adolescents and the factors that contribute to it.
This paper examines the interaction between psychological states and environmental conditions in creative development. Furthermore, it involves a structured literature review of key findings in creativity, and these were synthesised into a key integrative conceptual framework.
Analysis shows that creativity is not innate or a fixed trait, but a developable capacity influenced by motivation, mindset, autonomy, and evaluation pressure. Supportive environments increase creative performance, and restrictive contexts limit originality and experimental approaches.
These findings highlight the importance of fostering environments which support adolescents and encouraging developable traits in order to set them up and maximise creativity output.
Introduction
Despite a widespread interest in creativity throughout various fields in society, empirical evidence suggests measured creative thinking has declined across generations over the past several decades (Kim, 2011). Kim’s analysis of the Torrance Tests of Creative Thinking (TTCT) indicates that, since the 1990s, IQ levels have risen while scores on key creative measures have significantly decreased. This trend directly challenges the common belief and myth that creativity is a fixed and innate talent, suggesting that creativity can be systematically developed through psychological traits and supportive conditions, particularly during adolescence.
Creativity in adolescents has decreased over the last few decades according to these tests, however this generational decline suggests that adolescent creativity is highly malleable, yet current conditions inhibit its development.
Adolescence offers a unique opportunity for developing creativity at much higher levels than any other age group. During this sensitive period, the brain undergoes significant development, and adolescents demonstrate a higher level of openness to learning and psychological flexibility which in turn supports the development of creative thinking.
By examining both psychological traits and environmental conditions, this paper outlines how creativity can be intentionally developed, the barriers that inhibit it, and the way that adolescents can cultivate it.