Drugs, the genius myth, and being creative – James C. Kaufman on the research

James C. Kaufman, PhD is a Professor of Educational Psychology at the University of Connecticut, and teaches classes on creativity.

Topics in our interview include
* the use of mood-altering substances by writers and other artists
* the genius myth stereotype
* how the idea of a creative muse impacts creative self-direction
* how positive and negative moods relate to creative thinking

Dr. Kaufman on using drugs to enhance creativity

"What’s interesting is that there is clearly a research literature that supports that people believe that this connection exists.

So if you look at studies, where you interview teenagers, and you ask them, Why have you tried marijuana, one of the five reasons is I want to enhance my creativity.

And you find that if you tell somebody that you’re giving them marijuana, or that you’re giving them alcohol, they will believe that they are more creative.

But, actual research shows either no link, or a negative link."

On the Genius Myth

"The central idea is that there are tw…