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There are five major theories of creativity each with its own unique viewpoint on what
creates creativity in people. These theories are Psychoanalytical, Mental illness,
Psychoticism, Addiction and Humanistic. In my opinion each of these theories has their
own merits.
The main focus of these theories is the Person. Although to some extent they may
branch out into Place (trying to understand the environment that creates these creative
people) and to a lesser extent Process.
further depression they argue decreases our ability to be creative. Once these issues are
addressed the patient then becomes able to express themselves creatively.
Opposition to this Theory: The main opposition to this theory is that it fails to take
into account that people are both biological as well as social beings.
have many ideas come forward at once, have a faster thought process and an ability to
take in more information than normal. This can then all be expressed artistically.
In addition Bipolar disorders reduce social inhibitions in much the same way as some
substance abuse making people more daring and bold. It is many of these character
traits of Bipolar disorder that many people associate with the so called mad artist
stereotype we are all familiar with.
Opposition to this Theory: On the other hand there are opponents to this theory that
argue that mental illness would in-fact impair creativity. Stress for example can impair
creativity by distracting us.
Examples of Creative People Linked to this Theory: Robert Schumann (Composer),
David Wallace (writer), Sylvia Plath (poet), Ernest Hemmingway (writer),
Michelangelo (artist), Beethoven (composer), Isaac Newton (physicist), Judy Garland
(actress)
discussion. However because it was left open for discussion it did lead to new theories
in the field of creative theory.
There is not much opposition to this theory. This may be because it is widely accepted
that we cannot be creative if we are distracted by other things. By meeting the six basic
needs most distractions have been dealt with before we begin.
Theory of Psychoticism:
The more I have dealt with creative people the more I have learnt to accept the whole
notion of the mad artist. Not so much because I think we are nuts but more because I
identify with the notion that we see the world around us differently to others. Usually in
a way many people would consider nuts.
Our personalities are usually the thing that attracts us to each other, the thing that others
notice about us first. I believe it is our devil may care attitude that enables us to be
creative. Without it many people wont create for fear of their work being rejected. But
its not usually an attitude we were born with but more something we have developed
over time to allow our creativity to come forth.
But the other thing I do see is a lot of these character traits can also be from an under
lying mental illness and so I do see this theory and that of the theory of mental illness
being closely linked and very valid theories.