Singers, painters, actors, dancers… all share personality traits with psychopaths according to research. It is true that much has been said about the personality of artists, who are usually very much in touch with their emotions and who, according to some psychologists and psychiatrists, are more likely to suffer from emotional instability and even other psychological problems.

But… what’s the truth in this? In the following lines we will go into some of these questions and look for scientific answers to these facts.

Artists and psychopaths share personality traits

Some research shows surprising and incredible results. One of them states that psychopaths and artists share personality traits . This study was published in the journal Personality and Individual Differences , and was carried out by Adrianne John Galang, a psychologist from De La Salle University in Manila (Philippines).

According to the Daily Mail, artists tend to have higher levels of emotional disinhibition , and are more prone to dishonesty and risk-taking.

Emotional disinhibition is the capacity for daring or risk taking that psychopaths possess. In other words, it is a characteristic of the personality that makes them not care about the consequences of their actions. As Galang explains, “creative people and artists also possess this personality trait.

The director of the research also states that “the results show that artists tend to be more dishonest and arrogant people. It would seem that it is the competitive environment in which they are involved that could shape their personality”.

However, other authors claim that an artist’s success is related to his level of narcissism . This is what the results of a study carried out by a professor of finance named Yi Zhou indicate. The study was published in the European Journal of Finance. Narcissism is also a personality trait shown by psychopaths.

Artists and narcissism

The truth is that not all artists have the same concerns and motivations . For example, let’s imagine a painter who goes to live in the country in order to feel fulfilled, looking for the tranquility and inspiration of a place that allows him to get in touch with himself. But let us also imagine the dancer or the actor who goes to London or Los Angeles in search of the spotlight and attention, in search of that role or work that will make him shine, that will make him a star and that, once and for all, his work will be valued.

As Yi Zhou explains, “to succeed in show business you need to have this kind of personality, the narcissistic one”. In this sense, a study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology , carried out by Mitja Back, from the University of Münster, identifies two dimensions of narcissism: the search for admiration and rivalry . Both are features that are very present in artists, and which affect their body language, their own personality and, furthermore, the health of their personal relationships.

Fortunately, artists do not seem to share the attitudes of psychopaths towards cruelty , although the results of the aforementioned research seem to explain the stereotype of the arrogant artist or the narcissistic musician.

Artists and the Dark Triad Theory

Some research has also found connections between the artists and the Dark Triad personality (more information in this article by Bertrand Regader). These individuals, who are truly attractive, are characterized by the following personality traits.

  • Narcissism : are people who want to be the focus of attention constantly so they are always looking to please others and tend to manipulate other people.
  • Machiavellianism : are individuals who seek fame, power and wealth, and also manipulate others to achieve that goal. They seek their own benefit independently of the common welfare.
  • Psychopathy : tend to impulsivity, antisocial behaviour, manipulation of others and constant search for strong emotions.

Therefore, several studies seem to indicate that there are certain personality traits shared by psychopaths and artists. However, it cannot be said that artists are psychopaths or that psychopaths are artists. In fact, in the articles Psychological Profile of a Psychopath, in 12 unmistakable traits, the 7 personality traits of creative people can be read more in depth.

What are creative people like?

Creativity is undoubtedly one of the qualities possessed by artists, and many investigations have tried to find out what characteristics the personality of these individuals presents. One of the best known is the study carried out by Oyvind Lund Martinsen, professor at the Norwegian School of Business (BI). According to him, creative people possess :

  • Connective intelligence : they are imaginative, playful and their mind is rich in ideas. They show commitment. They live in their own reality, which is sometimes close to fiction.
  • Need for originality : do not follow rules or social impositions. They are usually rebellious.
  • Motivation : they seek to improve themselves and face difficult tasks that stimulate them. They have an innovative and goal-oriented attitude.
  • Creative people feel the need to face difficult tasks , goal-oriented, with an innovative attitude.
  • Ambition : seek attention and influence on others. They want recognition.
  • Flexibility : they are original and see different solutions to problems.
  • Under sociability : they are considered to be inconsiderate and obstinate people.
  • Low emotional stability : they experience negative emotions easily and have a fluctuating mood. Their self-esteem is often affected.

Psychological problems in artists

Regarding this last point, there is research that shows that approximately 40% of artists suffer from psychological problems that can be treated.

Art tends to occur in individuals who are more labile and fragile in spirit. These are people who live their emotions intensely and perceive their surroundings much more intensely. This tendency makes them artists and people capable of making real works of art, but also more susceptible to mental disorders.