Lydia B. Maksarova

Background. This study is based on the idea of unity between affect and intelligence. It explores how different types of intelligence (fluid, verbal, self-assessed, and emotional) contribute to emotional creativity and implicit theories of creativity and emotion.

Objective. To identify the contributions of various types of intelligence to emotional creativity and the implicit theories of creativity and emotion.

Design. Linear regression and mediation analyses were conducted on a sample of 244 students. These analyses aimed to uncover the relationships between different types of intelligence, emotional creativity, and related components of self-awareness (at the levels of self-assessment and implicit theories).

Results. The findings demonstrated the intricate connections between various forms of intelligence – fluid, crystallized, emotional, emotional creativity, and self-awareness components such as self-assessment of intelligence and creativity. Specifically, the impact of intelligence on emotional intelligence traits and emotional creativity was mediated by measures of self-esteem in intelligence and creativity. To test specific hypotheses, we conducted a series of regression analyses and developed two structural models. The first model included linear regression equations with each emotional creativity (EC) scale as the dependent variable and both types of intelligence, as well as self-assessments—SAI and SAC—as predictors. The second model demonstrated the mediation effect of implicit theories of emotions (ITE) in the influence of emotional intelligence (EI) on emotional creativity.

Conclusion. This study highlights the complexity of the interplay between different types of intelligence and emotional creativity. It reveals the mediating role of self-esteem in these relationships and underscores the distinct nature of emotional creativity domains. Additionally, it establishes the link between implicit theories of emotions and creativity, with emotional intelligence and self-esteem, offering valuable insights for further research.