Creativity and Madness

Paper Summary:

In this article, the writer notes that for many years, experts have studied the possible link between creativity and madness. Throughout history, some of the most creative people on earth have behaved in ways that seemed outside of the norm. The writer discusses a study that indicates that while mental illness does not have to accompany creativity, there is a connection between the two in many cases.The writer points out that recent scientific research concluded that there are more mentally ill people in the creative professions and arts than there are in the scientific or business world. The writer concludes that these studies lend credibility to the thought that creativity and madness are closely linked.

From the Paper:

"It is commonly believed by experts in the mental health field, that mood disorders are sometimes responsible for the enhancement of creativity. Bipolar patients will stop taking medications because they believe it stunts their creative flow and they are unable to write or compose while taking them."
"The study into the correlation between mental illness and creative ability, gathered intensive biographies of more than 1,000 people, over a decade long period. They were all deceased by the time the study took place, and they had all lived in the 20th century. This was important as it leveled the playing field and removed the ability to attribute differences to cultural or evolutionary processes."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Bower, Bruce (1995) Moods and the muse: a new study reappraises the link between creativity and mental illness.(Cover Story) Science News
• Emily Dickinson (accessed 2-23-07) http://www.neuroticpoets.com/dickinson/
• Taylor-Whiffen, Peter (2005) Open Eye: Imagine if we opened our minds; Why do so many psychologists shy away from research into the power of imagination?(Features) The Independent (London, England)

More papers on Creativity and Madness:

• Analytical Essay # 145084 : "Attitudes Towards Madness"
• Essay # 46564 : "Charlotte Perkins Gilman's "The Yellow Wallpaper"
• Essay # 137920 : "Expectations in Gothic Literature"

APA Citation:

MLA Citation: