Intelligence and Creativity: Relationships and their Implications for Positive Psychology

There is little consensus on the relationship between intelligence and creativity. This study aimed to investigate the associations between these constructs considering the importance that creativity has for positive psychology. Two studies were conducted using two test batteries: the first with 876 children and adolescents (55% female) using the Battery for Assessment of High Abilities/Giftedness and the second with 285 adolescents (54% female) with the Battery for Assessing Intelligence and Creativity. The results were analyzed by exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis and indicated that intelligence and figural and verbal creativity are independent factors, with little correlation between figural creativity and intelligence and a moderate relationship between verbal creativity and intelligence. In conclusion, it is necessary to evaluate both intelligence and the different types of creativity considering their contributions for identifying human potential and their influence on wellness.