We explain what intrapersonal intelligence is, what its characteristics are and how to develop it. Also, other types of intelligence.
What is intrapersonal intelligence?
intrapersonal intelligence is the ability to know oneself and be aware of one's own capabilities and limitations. This type of intelligence allows a person to know who they are and what they want, not only from a rational aspect, but from the understanding of their emotions.
The development of intrapersonal intelligence involves capturing, processing and reflecting on everything that refers to oneself and allows to increase self-awareness, self-regulation and self-evaluation These three skills are fundamental for personal growth and facilitate the establishment of positive interpersonal relationships and effective communications.
intrapersonal intelligence It is one of the types that make up the theory of multiple intelligences prepared in 1983 by psychologist Howard Gardner. In it, Gardner recognizes the existence of eight intelligences: linguistic, logical-mathematical, spatial, musical, corporal-kinesthetic, naturalistic, interpersonal and intrapersonal.
Intrapersonal skills They function as organizers of other intelligences because they allow, for example, to manage one's own capabilities, reflect on experiences to learn, establish goals based on self-knowledge and assess the consequences of actions.
See also: Intrapersonal communication
Key points
- Intrapersonal intelligence is the ability to understand oneself, recognizing desires, abilities, emotions and limitations. It allows you to set objectives, plan and make decisions consciously.
- People with high intrapersonal intelligence tend to be reflective and develop deep self-knowledge about their interests, motivations, and abilities. They can use that information effectively in different areas of life.
- The professions that are associated with intrapersonal intelligence are those that require certain degrees of reflection and self-knowledge, such as psychology, education, sports and art.
- To develop intrapersonal intelligence, it is recommended to practice reflection and introspection through exercises such as meditation, journal writing, and emotional management.
Characteristics of people with intrapersonal intelligence
intrapersonal intelligence requires an introspective attitude This attitude has a reflective and an executive role: when people can recognize and understand their neurocognitive processes, they are able to plan, make decisions and guide their behaviors.
Thus, people with high intrapersonal intelligence have the following abilities:
- Recognize and respect one's own interests and motivations.
- Set realistic goals based on desires.
- Manage emotions effectively.
- Develop balanced self-esteem.
- Reflect on your own internal and learning processes.
- Use your intuition to foresee events and predict results.
- Understand others.
- Express your ideas and thoughts creatively.
Intrapersonal intelligence involves considering the context; thus establishing a link between the inner and outer world. This connection is necessary to adapt to different situations, which is why it is closely related to interpersonal intelligence.
Examples of intrapersonal intelligence
People with intrapersonal intelligence have the capacity for self-knowledge. This can be observed in certain attitudes; for example, reflecting on themselves, solving problems in various situations, exercising their potential and looking for resources to do so, striving to improve and making decisions adjusted to the moment.
Some professions require intrapersonal skills, such as artists, therapists, educators, philosophers, athletes or writers. However, Exponents of intrapersonal intelligence can be found in very varied vocational areas since the capacity for self-knowledge and reflection facilitates greater achievements in all disciplines.
It is possible to recognize intrapersonal intelligence in people who have excelled in different areas. For example, Socrates (philosophy), Carl Jung (psychoanalysis), Frida Kahlo (art) and Rafael Nadal (sports). Their trajectories reflect a recognition of their own abilities, a clear vision of their goals and the means to achieve them, as well as an understanding of their limitations.
Activities to develop intrapersonal intelligence
intrapersonal intelligence can be trained and improved through the development of self-knowledge, self-regulation and motivation.
Some activities that can be carried out are:
- Practice meditation. Performing introspective exercises increases the recognition of emotions and thoughts.
- Keep a diary. Writing about everyday experiences facilitates reflection and personal analysis.
- Set personal goals. Having clear and defined objectives provides meaning to experiences and greater motivation.
- Seek new experiences. Experiencing different situations helps discover interests and talents.
- Carry out therapeutic work. Attending a therapy space allows you to explore emotions and have new perspectives on personal processes.
- Express yourself creatively. Using artistic media to channel emotions and personal experiences allows for deep reflection.
- Inform. Reading about psychology, philosophy or personal development provides new approaches that collaborate with self-understanding.
Other types of intelligence
The other types of intelligence that are part of Howard Gardner's theory of multiple intelligences are:
- Linguistic intelligence . It is the ability to acquire and use oral or written language effectively.
- musical intelligence It is the ability to perceive, appreciate and express rhythmic patterns and musical forms.
- Logical-mathematical intelligence. It is the ability to use numbers to solve problems and think logically.
- Kinesthetic-body intelligence. It is the ability to handle tools related to body movement and touch.
- Spatial intelligence . It is the ability to perceive and understand spaces, such as the perception of the size of objects and proportions.
- Interpersonal intelligence It is the ability to understand and relate to other people, through communication and empathy.
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References
- Barman, P. and Roy, A. (2021). Intrapersonal Intelligence and Decision-Making Ability of Higher Secondary School Students. MIER Journal of Educational Studies Trends and Practices,11(2), 343-367. https://mierjs.in
- Escamilla González, A. (2014). Interpersonal intelligence: The compass of our existence. Education and Future(31).https://cesdonbosco.com
- Gardner, H. (1994). Structures of the mind. The theory of multiple intelligences. Economic Culture Fund.
