The paper examines variables involved in creativity and suggests ways in which gifted adolescents may be helped to isolate conditions under which they get their best ideas. Among variables considered are the hypnagogic state (physical and mental condition just before sleep), the hynopompic state (physiological and mental condition upon awakening),…

The paper reviews research on the creative process and the conditions necessary for the liberation of creative ideas. Suggests that each creative individual needs an essentially personal environment, stimulus, and working conditions in order to be able to function creatively. (Author/CL)

The article describes the Creative Inventory, a means of finding out the conditions under which creative potential is liberated. Exercises to discover these conditions are described and it is suggested that they can be beneficial for older children. (Author/CL)

Qualities of the creative mind are documented, including the ability to: let ideas come rather than chase after them, get in touch with the absurd, keep goals in sight, take ideas to the next stage, and have dialogue with intuitions. Inhibitors of creative growth include bottom-line thinking, cynicism, labeling, and outcome anxiety. (JDD)