RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN CREATIVITY AND PSYCHOPATHOLOGY - AN EVALUATION AND INTERPRETATION OF THE EVIDENCE

  • 1 January 1981
    • journal article
    • review article
    • Vol. 103  (2) , 261-324
Abstract
An age-old belief links creativity with [human] psychopathology. The degree of scientific support for this belief was examined and a scheme for interpretation of the evidence within a framework of multiple causation was proposed. Three major theories are considered; these differ fundamentally regarding whether creative ability and/or motivation may be associated with psychopathology. Creativity research involving cognitive, personality, motivational and environmental variables is examined in this theoretical context. Results do not emerge as definitive for any 1 type of position. Apparently, the origins of creativity may be heterogeneous; separate explanations may be required for distinct subject subgroups, to potentially include subgroups within traditional psychiatric diagnostic categories. Epidemiological research is then considered. Despite methodological shortcomings, this work as a whole appears to support elevated levels of psychopathology among recognized creators compared to the general population and familial (and perhaps even genetic) patterns of creativity-psychopathology association. Affective psychosis is particularly prominent across studies although design features limit full consideration of other pathologies. Some etiological hypotheses are then indicated within the framework of a proposed, inclusive classification scheme. Considerations for further research are discussed and the potential importance of continued inquiry in this area is emphasized.