The "Tortured Artist" Phenomenon: Creativity and Psychological Distress in College Students

Publication Date

Spring 4-22-2026

Presentation Length

Poster/Gallery presentation

College

College of Sciences & Mathematics

Department

Psychological Sciences and Neurosciences, Department of

Student Level

Undergraduate

Faculty Mentor

Adam Smiley, PhD

Metadata/Fulltext

Metadata ONLY

Presentation Type

Poster

Summary

The “tortured artist” stereotype suggests a link between creativity and psychological distress, particularly mood disorders, though empirical findings are mixed. Some research indicates higher rates of conditions such as bipolar disorder among individuals in creative fields (Kyaga et al., 2011; Kyaga et al., 2013), with traits like heightened motivation and emotional intensity linked to creative engagement (Ruiter & Johnson, 2014; Miller et al., 2019). However, other evidence shows that creativity may also be associated with improved well-being (Smith et al., 2022), suggesting a complex relationship. Additionally, contextual factors such as financial stress, substance use, loneliness, and sleep may contribute to mental health outcomes independently of creativity. Using data from the Healthy Minds Study (2024–2025), this study examines differences in mental health between undergraduate students in traditionally creative and non-creative majors. Outcomes include depression (PHQ-9), anxiety (GAD-7), and overall mental health problems. Logistic and multiple regression models will assess these relationships, with exploratory analyses testing whether contextual factors and their interactions with creative status explain observed differences. University students (N = 84,735) completed the survey. Data analysis is ongoing, and results will be presented at the symposium.

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