Creative Types Score More
Research proves it: artists and poets have about twice as many sex partners as ordinary people do. Not only that: artists and poets display certain personality traits that also characterize mentally ill patients.
The recent British study surveyed both men and women, including a group of visual artists, poets, and schizophrenic patients. Results showed that the average number of sexual partners for professional artists and poets (since the age of 18) was between four and ten, compared with three for non-creative types. The more creative activity the subject engaged in, the greater the number of sex partners.
One possible explanation for this is that artists, by the nature of their work, attract attention and, consequently, plenty of opportunity. According to the psychologist who led the study, "It could also be that very creative types lead a bohemian lifestyle and tend to act on more sexual impulses and opportunities, often purely for experience's sake, than the average person would. Moreover, it's common to find that this sexual behaviour is tolerated in creative people. Partners, even long-term ones, are less likely to expect loyalty and fidelity from them."
What about the schizophrenic part? "These personality traits can manifest themselves in negative ways, in that a person with them is likely to be prone to the shadows of full-blown mental illness, such as depression and suicidal thoughts." Sounds like the stereotypical artistic temperament.
But though the brooding artist has some schizophrenic traits that are linked with high numbers of partners, schizophrenic patients don't experience the same level of sexual activity. Instead, they tend to suffer from acute social withdrawal and emotional flatness;not encouraging for frequent romps in the hay. But better for the gene pool.