The Dynamic Interplay of Affective, Cognitive and Contextual Resources on Children’s Creative Potential: The Modulatory Role of Trait Emotional Intelligence

Abstract

In the present work we explored in two separate studies the modulatory role of trait emotional intelligence (EI) over the effect exerted on children’s creative potential by two other key elements defining creativity, namely cognitive resources (here explored through basic executive functions, Study 1) and contextual-environmental factors (that is, teachers’ implicit conceptions of the factors influencing children’s creativity, Study 2). Confirming previous research, executive functions (particularly interference control and working memory) emerged as main predictors of children’s creative performance; however, their positive effect arose especially when associated with a high trait EI level. In the same vein, teachers’ implicit conception about children’s creative potential and about their efficacy in teaching creativity emerged to exert a facilitatory effect on children’ creative potential. This effect occurred particularly when associated with low trait EI levels, affecting differently girls and boys. Trait EI emerged from these studies as an important individual resource to consider in order to understand the potential benefit of other (cognitive and contextual-environmental) resources on children’s creative potential. The implications on the role of trait EI as a constitutional element of children’s creativity, capable of promoting the expression of their creative potential, are discussed.

Impact of Coaching on the Development of Personal and Social Competences among Secondary School Students

“…School coaching was used during the intervention. There have been similar studies with favorable results within other contexts, in which the intervention has been complemented with training programs on areas such as emotional intelligence and multiple intelligence, conflict management, and communication [58][59][60][61][62][63][64]. Furthermore, according to some authors, it appears that academic coaching is related with a student's academic persistence, skills acquisition, and development, although the conclusions of some other investigations are that there is only a slight improvement in the grade point average of students after the intervention [65][66][67].…”

Student Entrepreneurial Intention: The Role of Support, Emotional Intelligence, Personal Attitude, and Creativity among Economic Student

“…In this case, T. Ahmad et al (2023) agree that emotional intelligence is even cultivated to encourage creativity. Psychologically, Agnoli et al (2023) explained that emotional intelligence is involved in the process of generating creativity. This connection brings an understanding of the benefits of emotional intelligence possessed by students to increase their creativity to be applied to entrepreneurship or new businesses.…”

Emotional Competency in Education: Special Issue on Emotional Intelligence and Creativity

“…From a more cognitive perspective, Agnoli et al ( 2023 ) explores the modulatory role of trait emotional intelligence on children’s creative potential, examining the influence of cognitive resources and contextual–environmental factors. Their studies highlight the importance of trait EI in enhancing the positive effects of executive functions and teachers’ conceptions of creativity on children’s creative performance, with implications for understanding trait EI as a key component of children’s creativity.…”