VOCATIONAL AND AVOCATIONAL INTERESTS OF GIFTED ADOLESCENTS: THEIR DEVELOPMENT AS A PRODUCT OF CREATIVITY.

• Main Author: FEDERHAR, DAVID BERNARD.
• Language: en
• Published: The University of Arizona. 1983
• Subjects: Vocational interests > Arizona.; Gifted children.
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10150/186947

This study examined the developmental role of creativity on vocational and avocational interests of gifted students grades 7 to 12. Prior research has assumed that choices made by gifted and creative students were unique. This study was aimed at determining if there were relationships between background characteristics (age, sex and creativity) of gifted students and their preferences for leisure and work activities. Higher scores on creativity tests were significantly correlated with more leisure pursuits. The sample studied was significantly different from Torrance's norms. This sample's norms were presented. In this sample the overall creativity and leisure skills were highly correlated with component scores. Lower grade level was the most important factor in predicting certain leisure activities. Creativity was also a significant predictive factor. Male-female similarities emerged. Lower creativity was the most important factor in predicting certain vocational interests. Sex, grade level, and overall leisure were also significant factors. Some grade level differences and similarities were evidenced. Discussed are implications for future gifted programs, possible generalization limitations, and future cause-effect research.