Are Emotionally Intelligent People More Creative? A Meta-Analysis of the Emotional Intelligence–Creativity Link

• In Event: AERA Poster Session 8
  In Poster Session: Gifted Education, Creativity, and Talent Development Posters

Abstract

To assess an overall correlation between emotional intelligence (EI) and creativity, the present study conducted a meta-analysis of 85 correlations obtained from 72 studies with a total sample size of 17140. The results uncovered a statistically significant moderate correlation (r = 0.36, 95% CI, 0.30–0.42, p < 0.01) between these two constructs. Moderation analyses revealed that the link was modulated by the type of creativity/EI measure and sample characteristics. Specifically, the link was stronger when creativity and EI were measured using subjective reports compared to objective tests. In addition, the link was stronger in males compared to females, in employees compared to students, and in East Asian samples compared to Western European and American samples.

Authors

• Xiaobo Xu, East China Normal University

• Weiguo Pang, East China Normal University