Sylvia Plath effect

[1][3] Although many studies (e.g., Andreasen, 1987; Jamison, 1989; Ludwig, 1995) have demonstrated that creative writers are prone to mental illness,[4][5][6] this relationship has not been examined in depth.

Kaufman himself wrote an editorial for Europe’s Journal of Psychology[7] classifying his essay as inaccurate and stated "As I matured and studied more aspects of creativity, I was less thrilled about the Sylvia Plath Effect legacy [...] I made several arguments against the importance of my own work".

[7] Plath's illness and suicide have spawned many articles in scientific journals, but almost all have been focused on issues of psychodynamic explanation and have been unsuccessful in dealing directly with the clinical history and diagnosis.

Although it was not explored in depth, abuse during childhood (physical or sexual) also loomed as a possible contributor to psychological issues in adulthood.

[11] Plath, on February 11, 1963, was found dead of carbon monoxide poisoning in her kitchen after putting her head in the oven.