A relationship between creativity and seasonality has been suggested by Jamison (1989) who examined seasonal patterns of moods and productivity in a sample of British writers. She reported that mood increase during spring and summer did not coupled with changes in creativity. A recent study of McDermott (2001) on periodicity of Emily Dickinson’s poetic work reported seasonal peaks in her productivity during summer months. Seasonal variation of mood and sleep have been reported in SAD patients, and seasonal sensitivity in the general population has been assessed using the Seasonal Pattern Assessment Questionnaire in several epidemiological studies. In order to assess relationship between creativity and seasonal changes in mood, sleep and activity, we studied a sample of 105 italian writers, who were the final runners of the three most important literary Italian awards (Strega, Campiello e Viareggio) in the last 15 years. A modified Seasonal Pattern Assessment Questionnarie (SPAQ) has been mailed to the writers during the period October 2003 and January 2004. Thirty-one writers (mean age: 53 years, eight females) returned the questionnaire, six did not answered to the SPAQ and sent personal notes and comments. Among SPAQ respondents, spring and summer peaks for feeling better were reported, during the same period respondents described a decline in creativity, which was instead increased during the early fall. Considering value of GSS (mean GSS value was of 9.3) writers appeared to show a high level of seasonal sensitivity compared to the general population. 38.7% of the sample showed value equal or higher than 11. Seasonal changes were considered as a problem by 61.29%. 38.7% of the sample reported that seasonal changes had a moderate role in their creative activity and 19.3% reported that such influence was intense. According to respondents, sleep duration changed during the different months, with lower duration of sleep during summer months. Increase in creativity in the present sample appeared to be associated with winter and fall months, periods also characterized by increased sleep and low mood. Although no direct relationship can be assumed between these variables and creativity, it appears that period with reduced amount of external activities (as well as of natural light) might favour interior work and creative effort. Increase in creativity is associated with low mood and increased sleep.

SEASONAL CHANGES IN CREATIVITY. A STUDY ON A SAMPLE OF EMINENT ITALIAN WRITERS

BARBATO, Giuseppe;
2004

Abstract

A relationship between creativity and seasonality has been suggested by Jamison (1989) who examined seasonal patterns of moods and productivity in a sample of British writers. She reported that mood increase during spring and summer did not coupled with changes in creativity. A recent study of McDermott (2001) on periodicity of Emily Dickinson’s poetic work reported seasonal peaks in her productivity during summer months. Seasonal variation of mood and sleep have been reported in SAD patients, and seasonal sensitivity in the general population has been assessed using the Seasonal Pattern Assessment Questionnaire in several epidemiological studies. In order to assess relationship between creativity and seasonal changes in mood, sleep and activity, we studied a sample of 105 italian writers, who were the final runners of the three most important literary Italian awards (Strega, Campiello e Viareggio) in the last 15 years. A modified Seasonal Pattern Assessment Questionnarie (SPAQ) has been mailed to the writers during the period October 2003 and January 2004. Thirty-one writers (mean age: 53 years, eight females) returned the questionnaire, six did not answered to the SPAQ and sent personal notes and comments. Among SPAQ respondents, spring and summer peaks for feeling better were reported, during the same period respondents described a decline in creativity, which was instead increased during the early fall. Considering value of GSS (mean GSS value was of 9.3) writers appeared to show a high level of seasonal sensitivity compared to the general population. 38.7% of the sample showed value equal or higher than 11. Seasonal changes were considered as a problem by 61.29%. 38.7% of the sample reported that seasonal changes had a moderate role in their creative activity and 19.3% reported that such influence was intense. According to respondents, sleep duration changed during the different months, with lower duration of sleep during summer months. Increase in creativity in the present sample appeared to be associated with winter and fall months, periods also characterized by increased sleep and low mood. Although no direct relationship can be assumed between these variables and creativity, it appears that period with reduced amount of external activities (as well as of natural light) might favour interior work and creative effort. Increase in creativity is associated with low mood and increased sleep.
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/11591/217111
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