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

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  • Xiaobo Xu

    (School of Psychology and Cognitive Science, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200062, China)

  • Wenling Liu

    (Institute of General Education, Shanghai Academy of Educational Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China)

  • Weiguo Pang

    (School of Psychology and Cognitive Science, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200062, China)

Abstract

Although emotional intelligence (EI) is positively associated with beneficial outcomes such as higher job performance and better psychological well-being, its relationship with creativity is uncertain. To assess an overall correlation between EI and creativity, in the present study a meta-analysis of 96 correlations obtained from 75 studies with a total sample size of 18,130 was conducted. The results uncovered a statistically significant moderate correlation (r = 0.32, 95% CI, 0.26–0.38, p < 0.01) between these two constructs. Moderation analyses revealed that the link was modulated by the type of EI/creativity measure and sample characteristics, such as gender, employment status, and culture. Specifically, the link was stronger when EI and creativity were measured using subjective reports (EI: trait EI; creativity: creative behavior and creative personality) compared to objective tests (EI: ability EI; creativity: divergent thinking test, remote associate test, and creative product). 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. Theoretical implications and future directions are discussed in detail.

Suggested Citation

  • Xiaobo Xu & Wenling Liu & Weiguo Pang, 2019. "Are Emotionally Intelligent People More Creative? A Meta-Analysis of the Emotional Intelligence–Creativity Link," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(21), pages 1-26, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:11:y:2019:i:21:p:6123-:d:283085
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. Altinay, Levent & Kinali Madanoglu, Gulsevim & Kromidha, Endrit & Nurmagambetova, Armiyash & Madanoglu, Melih, 2021. "Mental aspects of cultural intelligence and self-creativity of nascent entrepreneurs: The mediating role of emotionality," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 131(C), pages 793-802.

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