Comedians have ‘high levels of psychotic traits’ Comedians have personality types linked with psychosis, like many other creative types, which might explain why they can entertain, researchers claim. They score highly on characteristics that in extreme cases are associated with mental illness, a study by Oxford University researchers suggests. Unusually, they have high levels of both introversion and extroversion. The team says the creative elements needed for humour are similar to traits seen in people with psychosis. The idea that creativity in art and science is connected with mental health problems has long captured the public imagination. However, there has been little research on whether comedians have some of the traits - in a healthy form - associated with psychosis (delusions or hallucinations that can be present in schizophrenia and bipolar disorder). Unusually introverted Researchers from the University of Oxford and Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust studied 523 comedians (404 men and 119 women) from the UK, US and Australia. The comedians were asked to complete an online questionnaire designed to measure psychotic traits in healthy people. The four aspects measured were: Unusual experiences (belief in telepathy and paranormal events) Cognitive disorganisation (distractibility and difficulty in focusing thoughts) Introvertive anhedonia (reduced ability to feel social and physical pleasure, including an avoidance of intimacy) Impulsive non-conformity (tendency towards impulsive, antisocial behaviour).
DeYtH Banger How to Talk to Anyone (Junior Talker #5)
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.