title: Creativity is linked to ambition across the bipolar spectrum.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Beyond evidence for an association, little is known about the mechanism linking creativity bipolar spectrum conditions. Theory suggests that ambition, which is heightened in bipolar disorder (BD) and associated with creativity in the general population, might be an important variable. The overarching aim of this project was to evaluate whether ambition is related to creativity among those with bipolar spectrum conditions.
  
  
  METHODS
  Across two studies, we examined correlations between a validated self-report measure of ambition, the WASSUP, and creativity. In Study One, 22 individuals diagnosed with BD who self-identified as highly creative completed the WASSUP and a measure of lifetime creative accomplishment. In Study Two, 221 undergraduates completed the WASSUP, a measure of mania risk (the Hypomanic Personality Scale, HPS) and a measure designed to assess creativity in business projects and tasks.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In Study One, WASSUP scores were significantly elevated compared to normative levels in BD, and WASSUP scores were correlated with lifetime creative accomplishment within the artistic sample. In Study Two, mania risk was related to greater ambition and creativity, and ambition was also directly related to greater creativity.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Both studies were limited by the reliance on self-reported ambition.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Ambition could be one important component of creative success across the bipolar spectrum.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA.
authors.forename: Sheri L
authors.initials: SL
authors.lastname: Johnson
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Health, Arts and Design, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, Australia.
authors.forename: Greg
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Murray
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, University of Guelph, Canada.
authors.forename: Sharon
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Hou
authors.affiliation: Stanford University, USA.
authors.forename: Paige J
authors.initials: PJ
authors.lastname: Staudenmaier
authors.affiliation: University of California San Francisco, USA.
authors.forename: Michael A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Freeman
authors.affiliation: Division of Mood Disorders, Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, 2255 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver, BC, Canada V6T 2A1. Electronic address: erin.michalak@ubc.ca.
authors.forename: Erin E
authors.initials: EE
authors.lastname: Michalak
mesh_terms: D000124:Achievement; D000328:Adult; D001240:Aspirations, Psychological; D001714:Bipolar Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology*; D003405:Creativity; D003527:Cyclothymic Disorder / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D057566:Self Report; D013334:Students
keywords: Ambition; Bipolar disorder; Creativity; Mania
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