The link between creativity and affect in adolescents

The present study attempted to extend existing research on the link between creativity and affective illness in adults (e.g., Andreasen, 1987; Jamison, 1989; Schildkraut, Hirshfeld, & Murphy, 1994) by examining the relationship between creative personality traits and affective tendencies in adolescents. The sample consisted of 104 students in grades 10, 11, and 12. Creative personality was assessed using the Creative Personality Scale of the Adjective Checklist, as well as measures of origence and intellectence. Affective tendencies were measured using the General Behaviour Inventory which assesses depressive and hypomanic-plus-biphasic tendencies.;Results of the study provided some support for the hypothesis that creative personality is related to measures of affective tendencies in adolescents. However, contrary to what was predicted, measures of creative personality were better predictors of depression scores rather than biphasic-plus-hypomanic scores. Specifically, high origence and intellectence scores appeared to be the best predictors of depression scores.