It is said that people in creative professions, such as musicians, writers, painters, and comedians, often have mental illnesses such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. However, a new study has revealed that magicians who perform attractive magic tricks in front of people are less prone to mental illness than other creative professions or the general public.
So far, research has shown that people who work in fields that require creativity have an 8% higher risk of developing bipolar disorder than the general population, and that writers have a whopping 121% increased risk of bipolar disorder. Additionally, a study analyzing genetic samples from 86,000 people living in Iceland found that people working in creative fields, such as visual artists, dancers, musicians, writers, and actors, have a high genetic risk of developing schizophrenia or bipolar disorder.
A psychologist at Aberystwyth University in the UK said that even people who have not been clinically diagnosed with schizophrenia, for example those who do not have strong symptoms of a mental illness, sometimes experience disordered thinking. He explains that although this may be a hindrance to concentration, it may be beneficial in fostering creativity. In other words, mental illness can sometimes increase creativity, and as a result, people with mental health problems are more likely to succeed as creators.
In addition to writers and musicians, comedians who make people laugh have also been found to have characteristics that can be seen in schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Meanwhile, it is said that, like comedians, there has not been much research on magicians who perform creative shows in front of people.
Therefore, the research team conducted a study to compare the mental illness characteristics of magicians with other creative groups and the general public. The research team points out that magicians are similar to comedians in that they create and perform their own shows, but unlike comedians who have a chance to make up for their jokes if they fail, magicians have the problem that even a single failure cannot be forgiven. Because magicians require extremely high technical skills, this unique work environment and skillset makes magicians an interesting creative group to study.
The research team conducted a survey of 195 magicians assessing trait tendencies toward autism and schizophrenia and compared the results with samples from the general public and other creative groups. Magicians are mainly active in the US and UK, and the average number of years they have worked as a magician is 35 years, and they range from close-up magicians, mentalists, and card magic experts.
As a result of the analysis, the magicians showed the same scores as the general population in terms of autism tendencies and abnormal experiences such as hallucinations. In addition, creative people were found to have lower scores than the general public in items such as high scores on the schizophrenia index. According to the research team, the integrative ataxia profile of magicians is similar to that of mathematicians and scientists, but not other creative groups.
As to why the mental illness characteristics of magicians are different from other creative groups, the research team said that these magicians had high concentration, low levels of social anxiety, and fewer abnormal experiences, distorted thoughts, and hallucinations. It is said that it is quite advantageous for magician work that requires concentration on technique.
In a magic show, it is important to perform the correct movements in front of the audience without failing, and concentration and repetitive training are required. On the other hand, even if you don’t have to create new tricks from scratch, you can create a unique show by adding adjustments to existing magic.
The research team said the study shows that not all creative individuals are created equal and that the link between creativity and psychopathology is more complex than previously thought. Related information: this placeYou can check it here.
2024-01-15 05:30:03
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