Analytical, creative, and practical intelligence as predictors of self-reported adaptive functioning: a case study in Russia

Abstract A study was done to test the efficacy of the triarchic theory of intelligence as a basis for predicting self-reported adaptive functioning in a rapidly changing society, that of Russia. Measures of analytical, creative, and practical intelligence were administered to 452 women and 293 men between the ages of 26 and 60 years. Participants also answered questions about their physical health as well as questions about their mental health. These latter questions were divided into ones about depression, anxiety, and self-efficacy. With men and women combined, mixed general linear modeling showed consistent strong effects of practical intelligence on the various kinds of self-reported adaptive functioning. Analytical intelligence also showed effects, although less consistently and strongly. Creative intelligence showed marginal effects. Age and gender were consistent predictors of self-reported adaptive functioning education less so. With men and women separated, creative intelligence showed some significant effects — in particular, predicting poorer physical health in men but predicting lower anxiety in women. Thus, there was some relation of creativity to poorer physical health but better mental health. We conclude that analytical, practical, and creative intelligence all relate in some degree to self-reported everyday adaptive functioning.