Six Subclinical Spectrum Traits in Normal Creativity

Abstract

In this article, I explore conceptual and empirical connections between schizophrenia, schizotypy, psychotic-like traits, affective symptoms, and creativity. The focus is on 6 symptom-like characteristics: (a) positive schizotypal cognitive symptoms, (b) negative schizotypal cognitive symptoms, (c) negative schizotypal affective symptoms (flat affect), (d) hypomania, (e) depression, and (f) impulsivity. Attention is directed at research differentiating the cognitive symptoms associated with the schizophrenia spectrum from those of the core affective disorders, as well as distinguishing schizophrenic-like flat affect from depression. I present data on relations between paper-and-pencil measures of creativity and scales of subclinical deviant traits. I also discuss the importance of distinguishing creativity and eminence in different professional fields, artistic media, and genres, as well as the conceptual relation between continuous trait views of genius and madness and the temporal dynamics of the creative process.