Dissociative experiences, creative imagination, and artistic production in students of Fine Arts

The current research was designed to assess the influence of dissociative experiences and creative imagination on the artistic production of Fine Arts students of the University of Vigo (Spain). The sample consisted of 81 students who were administered the Creative Imagination Scale and The Dissociative Experiences Scale. To measure artistic production students were given an art assignment requiring them to produce a picture 180 cm × 180 cm in format with freedom of choice regarding technique and materials. The artistic productions were scored on three factors: analysis of the idea, implementation of the idea and technical skill. The results support our working hypothesis that dissociative experiences influence the artistic production of Fine Arts students. Notwithstanding, no significant differences in artistic production were observed between students with high in comparison to low creative imagination. The scarce availability of the literature underscores the need for further research.

Research highlights▶ We assess the influence of dissociative experiences on the artistic production. We also examined the influence of creative imagination on the artistic production. 81 Fine Arts students participated in the study. To measure artistic production, students painted a large format work. Results indicated that dissociative experiences influence the artistic production.