Comedians both extrovert and introvert, shows study
Comedians have personality types linked with psychosis, a study by Oxford University researchers suggests.
They score highly on characteristics that in extreme cases are associated with mental illness.
Professor Gordon Claridge, who conducted the research, told the Today programme's Mishal Husain that comedians have a "peculiar combination" of impulsive extroversion and introversion.
He explained that the findings give credence to the idea that there is a link between madness and creativity.
Comedian Susan Murray described comics as "naturally shy people that have a creative outlet"
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4's Today programme on Thursday 16 January 2014.
16 Jan 2014
- From the section Entertainment & Arts