Creativity, emotional intelligence, and school performance in children

Previous studies have shown that both creativity and emotional intelligence (EI) were related to children school performance. In this study, we investigated the incremental validity of EI over creativity in an elementary school setting. Seventy-three children aged from 9 to 12 years old were recruited to participate in the study. Verbal and figural creativity were assessed using Torrance's test and EI with the Trait Emotional Intelligence Questionnaire-Child Form (TEIQue-CF). Results showed that children school performances were predicted by creativity. However EI had no influence on performance. These findings question the recent spread of EI training programs within elementary schools.

► Incremental validity of EI over creativity in children is investigated.
► School performances in children were predicted by creativity but not by EI.
► Results question the spread of EI programs within elementary schools.