Emotional Intelligence Cognitive Correlates in Adults: Creative Thinking Role

Abstract

Background. The article examines the correlation between emotional intelligence and creative thinking in adults within the context of contemporary technological transformations and social uncertainty. The study relevance  is driven by the necessity to identify internal psychological resources for personal adaptation and professional self-actualization in the digital age, where the integration of emotional competence and creativity serves as a key competitive advantage. Purpose. The study aims to provide a theoretical substantiation and empirical verification of the relationship between the components of emotional intelligence and the indicators of creative thinking in adults. Methods. The methodological framework is based on a comprehensive approach, including a theoretical analysis of modern emotional intelligence concepts and empirical diagnostic methods. The study utilized V. Zarytska’s emotional intelligence assessment and P. Torrance’s Verbal Test of Creative Thinking. Mathematical and statistical data processing was performed using Spearman’s rank correlation analysis and k-means cluster analysis to identify specific respondent profiles. Results. The findings confirm a stable positive correlation between the  emotional intelligence and creativity indicators overall levels. Statistically significant correlations were established between the ability to understand and manage emotions and such creative thinking characteristics as flexibility, originality, and elaboration. Cluster analysis allowed for the differentiation of respondents based on their emotional-cognitive functioning profiles. Based on the empirical data, an emotional intelligence development program was designed and tested, focusing on stimulating creative activity in adults. Conclusions. The study validates the hypothesis regarding the integration of emotional and cognitive-creative processes in adulthood. The results suggest that developing emotional competence serves as an effective tool for actualizing creative potential. The practical significance of the work lies in the potential implementation of the developed methodological recommendations into psychological support systems for professionals and adult education programs.