Magicians and illusionists turned out to be the most balanced: “Magic helps”
According to new research, magicians are less susceptible to mental disorders than other artists. A study from Aberystwyth University has shown for the first time that this creative group scores lower on psychotic traits than the general population.
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Creative types – musicians, artists, writers – are often considered a “jaded” and difficult group, but research shows that at least one part of the artistic community may have learned the trick to maintaining mental balance, writes The Guardian.
A study of magicians around the world by Aberystwyth University's psychology department suggests illusionists may be less susceptible to mental health problems than other creatives and the general population.
The study, published Wednesday in the journal BJPsych Open , measured the psychopathological traits of nearly 200 magicians and compared the results with data from other performing arts groups and the general population.
It concluded that magicians scored significantly lower than other creatives and “regular” people. The study found that despite their work involving the illusion of being immersed in a mystery, illusionists were less likely to experience unusual experiences such as hallucinations or cognitive disorganization.
Gil Greengross, who led the project, said, that this was the first study to show that this creative group had lower rates of psychotic traits than the general population.
He said: “Our research shows that magicians do not exhibit higher levels of mental illness. The results demonstrate that the relationship between creativity and psychopathology is more complex than previously thought.”
Greengross said the magicians scored low on “impulsive nonconformity,” a personality trait associated with antisocial behavior and decreased self-control. “This trait is valuable to many creative groups, such as writers, poets and comedians, whose actions are often edgy and challenge conventional wisdom. Magicians can be just as creative and push the boundaries of what is acceptable. However, many magicians perform familiar tricks or variations of them without feeling the need to innovate.”
The magicians in the study were recruited through groups such as the Magic Circle in Great Britain, the Society of American Magicians, and the International Brotherhood of Magicians. Participants ranged in age from late teens to 90 years.
Sarah Krasson, a New York magician who worked on the study, said there are reasons why magicians may be more level-headed. “One of the things we often do when we meet is share our origin story: how did we get into this art? Very, very often magicians, especially men, come to magic between the ages of 8 and 14 in order to somehow overcome social deficits. Maybe the bully won't hit them if they can show the bully a cool trick.”
Magic was a way to gain “positive social status and attention,” she said. “This often helps overcome a lack of social skills. It gives you confidence and can really strengthen you and help you overcome problems. I think magic helps.”
Research suggests that the mental health characteristics of illusionists are similar to those of mathematicians and scientists. Crasson said precision is an important part of magic. “There is a lot of precision in the way the piece is executed. When you see a first-class magician perform, every movement, every word has meaning and thought.”
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