TITLE
Does Being Neurotic Really Make You More Creative?
DESCRIPTION
This study examined whether the “overthinking” which is prevalent in neurotic individuals leads to being more creative. Those scoring high in neuroticism scales on personality tests were found to more often think negatively and to think more about negative outcomes in life events leading to anxiety and unhappy feelings. It is hypothesized by the authors of the study that the same process of “overthinking” can also lead to greater creativity, because in situations these individuals self-generate more thoughts than those lower in neuroticism scales. The original study cites historical figures (Isaac Newton) and neurological studies as the basis of the opinion paper.
SOURCE
Huffington Post, August 27, 2015, by Carolyn Gregoire
Original Source:
Perkins, A.M, and others., 2015, 19(9), Thinking too much: self-generated thought as the engine of neuroticism, Trends in Cognitive Sciences, p492–498.
LINK TO RESOURCE
(shortened URL) http://tinyurl.com/nvpxs8u
Original source: http://tinyurl.com/p7lbz4r
CLASS DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
•What is neuroticism? (This may not be an easy to find topic in modern Psychology textbooks.)
•What is creativity? How do Psychologists study creativity as a component of cognition? (use chapters in the textbook that highlight cognition and problem solving.)
•What is negative thinking and overthinking? What are the consequences? How does Cognitive Therapy operate on negative thinking?
•Regarding the topic of creativity: discuss the older notions of psychosis and affective disorders (manic depressive illness and bipolar disorder) and creativity in the arts.
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