Exploring the psyche of artists: Differences in ego functions, attachment and narcissism
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.29120/ijpsw.2024.v15.i1.618Keywords:
Creativity, artist, ego functions, attachment, narcissismAbstract
Background: Artist persona has always remained a point of interest in research realm. Though there exist several works in this line, but they focused on associating creative psyche with psychopathology. Few studies tried exploring the genetic and biological factors, but only a handful work tried exploring underlying personality traits in creative process. Even those works also focused on understanding basic factors like extraversion, neuroticism, etc. Less work is in line with other facets such as ego functions, attachment, and narcissism. Those existing have shade an ambivalent light. The present study tried to bridge this gap by delving deeper into artist personality. Method and Materials: A sample of 120 professional artists, engaged in vocal music, dance, acting, and painting for at least three years, was selected from Kolkata, West Bengal. A control group of 120 non-artist professionals from self-employment or MNC service sectors, with no formal training in any art form, was also included. Descriptive-comparative research design with multistage sampling was used, and all participants underwent a screening process. The General Health Questionnaire-12 (GHQ-12) was administered to rule out mental health morbidity, with a cut-off score of 2. The main instruments used were the Ego Function Assessment Scale, Narcissistic Personality Inventory, and Attachment Style Questionnaire. Data analysis involved descriptive, multivariate, and correlational statistical methods. Results: Results revealed a significant role of ego flexibility, attachment patterns, and adaptive narcissism in artistic endeavours. Statistically significant differences were found between the artist and control groups, along with significant correlations among these three variables. These findings further elucidate the personality differences observed in the artist group. Conclusion: This work may find its applicability in training, development and nurturance of creativity and expressive art therapy.
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