Creativity is linked to ambition across the bipolar spectrum

Sheri L Johnson; Greg Murray; Sharon Hou; Paige J Staudenmaier; Michael A Freeman; Erin E Michalak; CREST.BD

doi:10.1016/j.jad.2015.02.021

Creativity is linked to ambition across the bipolar spectrum

J Affect Disord. 2015 Jun 1:178:160-4. doi: 10.1016/j.jad.2015.02.021. Epub 2015 Mar 5.

Authors

Sheri L Johnson¹, Greg Murray², Sharon Hou³, Paige J Staudenmaier⁴, Michael A Freeman⁵, Erin E Michalak⁶; CREST.BD

Affiliations

¹ Department of Psychology, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA.
² Faculty of Health, Arts and Design, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, Australia.
³ Department of Psychology, University of Guelph, Canada.
⁴ Stanford University, USA.
⁵ University of California San Francisco, USA.
⁶ Division of Mood Disorders, Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, 2255 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver, BC, Canada V6T 2A1. Electronic address: erin.michalak@ubc.ca.

Abstract

Objective: Beyond evidence for an association, little is known about the mechanism linking creativity bipolar spectrum conditions. Theory suggests that ambition, which is heightened in bipolar disorder (BD) and associated with creativity in the general population, might be an important variable. The overarching aim of this project was to evaluate whether ambition is related to creativity among those with bipolar spectrum conditions.

Method: Across two studies, we examined correlations between a validated self-report measure of ambition, the WASSUP, and creativity. In Study One, 22 individuals diagnosed with BD who self-identified as highly creative completed the WASSUP and a measure of lifetime creative accomplishment. In Study Two, 221 undergraduates completed the WASSUP, a measure of mania risk (the Hypomanic Personality Scale, HPS) and a measure designed to assess creativity in business projects and tasks.

Results: In Study One, WASSUP scores were significantly elevated compared to normative levels in BD, and WASSUP scores were correlated with lifetime creative accomplishment within the artistic sample. In Study Two, mania risk was related to greater ambition and creativity, and ambition was also directly related to greater creativity.

Limitations: Both studies were limited by the reliance on self-reported ambition.

Conclusion: Ambition could be one important component of creative success across the bipolar spectrum.

Keywords: Ambition; Bipolar disorder; Creativity; Mania.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Achievement*
Adult
Aspirations, Psychological*
Bipolar Disorder / diagnosis
Bipolar Disorder / psychology*
Creativity*
Cyclothymic Disorder / psychology
Female
Humans
Male
Self Report
Students

Abstract

Publication types

MeSH terms

Grants and funding