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The Relationship between Creativity and Mental Disorder in an African Setting
1Department of Psychiatry, Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, 1-3 Oba Akinjobi Street, GRA, Ikeja, Lagos State, Nigeria.
Mens Sana Monographs
|June 23, 2011
Summary
Most Africans do not believe creativity and mental illness are linked, but think creative activities aid recovery. A minority of mental health professionals recognize the link, and creative pursuits are seen as therapeutic for the mentally ill.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Psychology
- African Studies
Background:
- Recognition of a link between creativity and mental disorder exists globally.
- Most research on creativity and mental disorder has focused on Western populations.
- Limited research has explored this relationship within African societies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate beliefs about the creativity-mental disorder link in an African society.
- To assess creativity levels in individuals with diagnosed mental disorders in Africa.
- To bridge the research gap in African studies on creativity and psychopathology.
Main Methods:
- Examined Yoruba mythology for themes of exceptional individuals and psychopathology.
- Surveyed general public and mental health professionals using a custom questionnaire.
- Assessed creativity in patients with schizophrenia and affective disorders at two Nigerian hospitals.
Main Results:
- Overwhelming majority of the public surveyed do not believe creativity and mental illness are related.
- A significant minority of mental health professionals acknowledge a link between creativity and mental disorder.
- Both the public and professionals believe creative activities aid in mental illness recovery.
- Creativity assessment of patients with schizophrenia and affective disorder showed no significant difference (small sample size).
Conclusions:
- Beliefs about the creativity-mental disorder link vary within African societies.
- Creative activities are widely perceived as beneficial for mental health recovery in Africa.
- Further research is needed to explore the complex relationship between creativity and mental disorder in Africa.
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