Magicians less prone to mental disorders than other artists, finds research

‘Magic is a very social, very caring group because we share secrets,’ says performer Sara Crasson. Photograph: Everett/Rex/Shutterstock

Creative types – musicians, painters, writers – are often regarded as a tormented and difficult bunch but a study has revealed that at least one subsection of the artistic community may have grasped the trick of staying well balanced.

A study of magicians around the world, led by Aberystwyth University’s psychology department, suggests that illusionists may be less prone to mental health difficulties than other creatives and the general population.