Alexithymia - Imagination - Creativity

The study was aimed at examining the relationships between alexithymia, imagination functioning and the level of creativity. Contrary to previously conducted studies, a behavioural method of measuring imagination efficacy was used (neutral and emotional versions of the Mental Rotation Test). The level of creativity was assessed with the use of the Urban-Jellen test and Creative Visualisation Task. The NEO-FFI was also administered. It was hypothesized that individuals with high alexithymia scores would show a reduced imagery ability as well as low creativity level. In a sample of 136 participants, alexithymics were found to be significantly less creative than non-alexithymics. However, no differences in imagination efficacy were found with regard to alexithymia. The results are discussed in the context of personality impact on cognitive tasks performance, also shedding new light on alexithymia correlates. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.