Sylvia Plath effect

The Sylvia Plath effect is a term coined by psychologist James C. Kaufman in 2001. It refers to the phenomenon that creative writers are more susceptible to mental illness, though Kaufman's studies demonstrated that female poets were "more" likely to suffer from mental illness than any other class of writers. Kaufman, J. C. (2001). The Sylvia Plath effect: Mental illness in eminent creative writers. Journal of Creative Behavior, 35 (1), 37-50 ] This finding has been discussed in many international newspapers, including the New York Times. Lee, F. R. (April 24, 2004). Going early into that good night. New York Times, Arts p, 1, 4. ]

The effect is named after the American poet Sylvia Plath.

Although debated (and occasionally mocked) on many internet websites Chica, N. R. (2004). “Does one have to be insane to be creative?” In Cup of Chica: www.nchica.com. Retrieved July 24, 2008, from http://www.nchicha.com/other/archives/002774.html#002774.] , the finding is consistent with other psychological research studies Ludwig, A. M. (1995). The price of greatness. New York: Guilford Press. ] .

Notes

References

* Kaufman, J.C. (2001). "The Sylvia Plath effect: Mental illness in eminent creative writers." "The Journal of Creative Behavior", 35(1).

External links

* [http://www.apa.org/monitor/nov03/plath.html Article by Deborah Smith Bailey] in the APA's "Monitor on Psychology"