Seasonal changes in mood and creative activity among eminent Italian writers

A sample of 33 eminent Italian writers was studied. They were nominees of three of the most important literary Italian awards (Strega, Campiello, and Viareggio). The Seasonal Pattern Assessment Questionnaire was mailed to 105 writers during the period October 2003 and January 2004, of whom 39 replied. 33 (M age=54.5 yr., SD= 12.5; 8 women and 25 men) completed the questionnaire. Among respondents, spring and summer months showed highest ratings of "feel best." During the summer a decline in creativity was not significant; respondents also reported sleeping least. Scores on the Global Seasonality Score suggested writers appeared to show higher seasonal sensitivity than the general population. Seasonal changes were considered as a problem by a majority of them. Although writers showed high seasonal sensitivity, no significant relationship was found between the seasonal pattern of mood and self-reported creativity.