3 minutes
Intrapersonal intelligence is one of the types of intelligence proposed in the Theory of Multiple Intelligences by Howard Gardner.
The set of cognitive abilities it expresses is somewhat vague and difficult to distinguish from other forms of intelligence. In summary, however, we can say that intrapersonal intelligence refers to the extent to which we know the internal aspects of our own ways of thinking, feeling, and acting.
In other words, it represents our ability to know ourselves and intervene in our own minds, in a broad sense.
How can we get to know ourselves?
According to the Theory of Multiple Intelligences, by recognizing the range of feelings defining our way of being and the kinds of stimuli that can induce each one, distinguishing clearly between moods, and using this knowledge to regulate our behavior toward specific objectives.
In this way, intrapersonal intelligence makes it possible to know the internal aspects of our minds and use this information to our advantage.
For example, knowing we are particularly sensitive about certain topics can make coping with conflict easier. This can be key to avoiding loss of control in such cases while also working on techniques to control levels of anxiety, anger, and so on.
Distinguishing concepts
Intrapersonal intelligence can easily be confused with emotional intelligence, a theoretical construct developed by several psychologists that does not originate in the Theory of Multiple Intelligences. Both types do emphasize self-knowledge and emotional regulation, but emotional intelligence is a broader concept. Thus, the difference is essentially that intrapersonal intelligence accounts for only some processes that could be compared to what is measured when studying emotional intelligence.
Intrapersonal intelligence can also be confused with interpersonal intelligence, which also falls within Gardner's theory.
Interpersonal intelligence relates to our ability to interact with others and work optimally as a team, while intrapersonal intelligence belongs to the private sphere.
In other words, the former allows us to know others and interact usefully and successfully with them, while the latter allows us to do the same with ourselves.
Both, however, may have many connections with what is understood as emotional intelligence.
How can intrapersonal intelligence be improved?
At this point, it is worth remembering that every form of intelligence can be trained and improved over time, like a muscle.
However, intrapersonal intelligence has been insufficiently studied, making it difficult to propose precise, scientifically supported methods to improve it.
Still, beyond whatever light future scientific research may shed on this topic, I would recommend the following to make progress in intrapersonal intelligence:
1. Frequently ask yourself what you are feeling
Stopping to reflect on the feelings you usually experience will help you recognize them when they appear and detect their patterns, regularities, and so on. This way, you will know which situations trigger these moods and notice how you tend to act when feeling that way.
Mentally labeling these emotions with names or words in general is a good place to start.
2. Consider how to direct this knowledge toward goals
Knowing a great deal about how we think and feel is of little use unless we use that information to improve our quality of life. Intrapersonal intelligence also involves, in part, being able to predict some things about our own behavior. You can therefore create action plans to intervene in your ways of feeling, thinking, and acting.
3. Assess your progress
To make progress in self-knowledge, it is good to look back and see what works and what does not. Being critical of our own progress is also essential if we do not want an overly optimistic view of what we do.
These steps can help you improve how you relate to yourself, but the final word is, of course, yours. Every person is a world of their own, and the existence of intrapersonal intelligence reminds us of that.