Summary: A new study finds that magicians are less likely than many other creative professionals to show traits linked to psychosis and other mental health challenges. This research, led by Aberystwyth University and published in BJPsych Open, suggests the relationship between creativity and mental illness is more complex than commonly thought.
Researchers assessed the psychological profiles of 195 magicians and compared them with 233 people from the general population, as well as with previously published data on other creative groups such as musicians, comedians, and visual artists. The results indicate that magicians score lower on several measures associated with psychotic traits and show mental-health profiles more similar to mathematicians and scientists than to other creative professionals.
Key Facts:
- Magicians scored lower than other creative groups on several measures of psychotic traits, suggesting a lower likelihood of related mental disorders.
- The technical precision and high-stakes nature of magic performances may shape the distinctive psychological profile observed among magicians.
- Unlike many other artistic professions, magicians commonly both create and perform their material, a combination that may influence their cognitive and personality traits.
Source: Aberystwyth University
High-profile creative figures across history—writers, painters and performers—have often attracted attention for their struggles with mental health. Studies over the years have linked certain creative professions with elevated rates of psychotic-like experiences or mood disorders. However, this new research identifies magicians as an exception: a creative group that, on several established measures, exhibits fewer psychotic traits than the general population and many other artistic groups.
The investigators used validated tools to measure schizotypal traits (the Oxford–Liverpool Inventory of Feelings and Experiences) and autistic traits (an abridged Autism-Spectrum Quotient), and they assessed creative self-efficacy and creative personal identity. Magicians also completed questions about originality in their work and whether they primarily create and perform their own material.
Overall, magicians scored lower than the general population on three of four schizotypal subscales—cognitive disorganisation, introvertive anhedonia and impulsive nonconformity—while scoring similarly on unusual experiences and autistic traits. They reported higher creative self-efficacy and a stronger creative identity than the comparison group. When compared with other creative professions using existing data, magicians’ schizotypal trait scores were largely lower than those of writers, comedians and performing artists.
Lead author Dr Gil Greengross of Aberystwyth University highlights the implications: the long-held view that creativity and psychopathology are closely linked may need refinement. Different creative domains appear to have distinct psychological profiles, and magicians provide a clear example of a creative group with comparatively low psychotic traits.
Dr Greengross suggests several possible reasons for this pattern. Magic performance demands extreme technical skill, precise timing and rigorous rehearsal. Unlike many forms of entertainment where minor mistakes can be absorbed or adapted, magic illusions are often “all or nothing”: a single failed effect can undermine the entire presentation. That high-stakes environment may select for performers with strong self-control, focused attention and lower impulsive nonconformity—traits that contrast with those seen in some other creative fields.
Another notable distinction is that magicians frequently both invent and present their own work. While many creative roles separate creators and performers, magicians commonly combine both functions, similar to comedian–writers or singer-songwriters. This blend of creative creation and precise execution could help explain why magicians report high creative confidence alongside fewer psychotic-like traits.
About this creativity and mental health research news
Author: Colin Nosworthy
Source: Aberystwyth University
Contact: Colin Nosworthy – Aberystwyth University
Image: The image is credited to Neuroscience News
Original Research: “Psychotic and autistic traits among magicians and their relationship with creative beliefs” by Gil Greengross et al., published in BJPsych Open (open access).
Abstract
Psychotic and autistic traits among magicians and their relationship with creative beliefs
Background
Although many previous studies suggest links between creativity and psychopathology—showing elevated psychotic traits in groups such as comedians, artists and writers, and higher autistic traits in some STEM scientists—magicians have not previously been examined in this context.
Aims
This study investigated whether magicians exhibit higher levels of psychotic or autistic traits and explored how creative self-efficacy and creative identity relate to these traits among magicians.
Method
A total of 195 magicians and 233 members of the general population completed measures of schizotypal traits, autism, and creative self-beliefs. Magicians’ scores were also compared with previously reported data from other creative professions.
Results
Magicians scored lower than the general population on three schizotypal subscales—cognitive disorganisation, introvertive anhedonia and impulsive nonconformity—but did not differ significantly on unusual experiences or autistic traits. Magicians reported greater creative self-efficacy and stronger creative identity. Compared with other creative groups, magicians generally had lower schizotypal trait scores. Measures of originality in magic correlated positively with unusual experiences, creative self-efficacy and creative identity.
Conclusions
This research is the first to identify a creative group with lower-than-norm scores on psychotic traits. The findings underline that creativity and mental health associations vary by creative domain and that magicians represent a distinct group with specific psychological characteristics.