Abstract
The theory of the mad genius, a popular cultural fixture for centuries, has received widespread attention in the behavioral sciences. Focusing on a longstanding debate over whether creativity and mental health are positively or negatively correlated, this study first summarized recent relevant studies and meta-analyses and then provided an updated evaluation of this correlation by describing a new and useful perspective for considering the relationship between creativity and mental health. Here, a modified version of the dual-pathway model of creativity was developed to explain the seemingly paradoxical relationship between creativity and mental health. This model can greatly enrich the scientific understanding of the so-called mad genius controversy and further promote the scientific exploration of the link between creativity and mental health or psychopathology.
Highlights
Mental health and creativity are the two critical elements driving the sustainable development of human society
We review previous research on the association between mental health and creativity
Based on previous findings and the dual-pathway model of creativity, we offer a new view, wherein the positive–negative nature of the association between creativity and mental health is largely determined by the nature of creativity and/or its corresponding measurements
Summary
Mental health and creativity are the two critical elements driving the sustainable development of human society. The present study involves a state-of-the-art review, wherein a dichotomous approach is taken to integrate the potential positive and negative association between creativity and mental health. Differentiating between approach-based psychopathology (e.g., positive schizotypy) and avoidance-based psychopathology (e.g., anxiety), Baas et al [37] conducted a meta-analysis of 57 empirical studies to determine possible linkages between risk of psychopathology and creativity in non-clinical samples and observed some meaningful results: a small positive relationship between positive schizotypy and creativity, a small negative correlation between negative schizotypy or anxiety and creativity, and the finding that the risk of bipolar disorder (e.g., hypomania) is positively associated with creativity, while depressive mood is negatively associated (albeit weakly) with creativity. In response to these findings, several researchers have drawn on big data and large sample meta-analysis techniques, presenting generally contradictory results with both significant negative and significant positive associations between creativity and psychological well-being as well as with patterns of association not identical across studies or across measures
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