Psychology says: these are the eight different types of intelligence
During my time in high school and even in elementary school, I was always busy with numbers. I found every score below a seven very mediocre, even if it was just sufficient. It's a shame that I worried so much about it all that time, because I have truly never had to show my report card anywhere. By now, I have realized that this infamous list is not a requirement for finding a job.
My favorite account ‘thebraincoach’ on Instagram (by neuropsychologist Nawal) recently posted about the eight different types of intelligence that humans can possess. She also describes in this post how these forms of intelligence can help us in various ways on our career path. She supports her findings based on the theory of multiple intelligences, which assumes that we can learn through different means and that therefore not only that damned report card is important. The theory of multiple intelligences was introduced in 1983 by American psychologist Howard Gardner. This theory has never been scientifically validated, by the way. Moreover, it is not the case that we can only be categorized into one specific category; you can possess multiple forms of intelligence. Below, I share the eight different types of intelligence according to Gardner's theory.
1. Visual-spatial
People with a well-developed visual-spatial intelligence have a spatial insight that is remarkable and think in images. These people love to draw, design, and create other things like puzzles. They also learn things more easily and better when they can connect the information with something they draw or design. They can extract more information from an image than from a piece of text. Someone who is well-developed in visual-spatial intelligence is good at reading maps, floor plans, diagrams, and graphs. Those are exactly the things I am really terrible at, so I guess my visual-spatial intelligence is not very well developed.
2. Verbal-linguistic
I can identify with this form of intelligence. People with a well-developed verbal-linguistic intelligence really love language and are good at it. As a result, they enjoy reading, writing, listening, and speaking (in public). People who possess this form of intelligence understand things better that are explained through language without images. Thoughts and feelings are easy for us to articulate (I place myself in this category) and we are good at arguing and thus convincing people. I am quite satisfied with that last strength.
3. Bodily-kinesthetic
Bodily-kinesthetic intelligence is also known as physical-kinesthetic intelligence. People who possess a well-developed motor intelligence can move well and love sports. It is therefore difficult for them to sit still. Well, I don't recognize myself in this at all. These people have good motor skills, physical coordination, and great endurance, which makes them good at many different sports. I have always been a bit jealous of these kinds of people.
4. Logical-mathematical
The math whizzes among us have a well-developed logical-mathematical intelligence. They can quickly make connections between cause and effect, which is why they are pros at quickly solving mathematical problems. Complex formulas are tackled with ease. This category also includes the know-it-alls who point out mistakes in the teacher's explanations during class. Oh yes, and the people who ask extremely many questions because they want to know everything.
5. Musical-rhythmic
We are probably all music lovers, but people with a well-developed musical-rhythmic intelligence also have a real sense of rhythm. They often play an instrument and enjoy expressing their feelings through music. They understand the structure of a piece of music better than others. We often see these people rhythmically tapping on the table and hear them humming all day long. They prefer to think in rhythms and can remember things better through, for example, self-made songs and rhymes.
6. Interpersonal
If your emotional intelligence is well-developed, there is a good chance that this also applies to your interpersonal intelligence, as this means you are sensitive to the moods and emotions of others. I fully recognize myself as an overly sensitive being in this; I can be sad all day if someone around me is gloomy. People with a well-developed interpersonal intelligence can empathize well with others and want to help. In conflicts, they are often the designated mediator. They try to make everyone as happy as possible and are disappointed when they fail to do so. They are good at forming and maintaining genuine friendships.
7. Intrapersonal
Intrapersonal intelligence is the ability for self-awareness. People with a well-developed intrapersonal intelligence can accurately map out their strengths and weaknesses. They do not find it difficult to make decisions because they know what they want and can do. An intrapersonally intelligent person is independent, prefers to work alone rather than in a group, and accepts their own personality, but still sets high standards for themselves.
8. Naturalistic
As the name suggests: people who feel very attracted to nature are likely to be naturally intelligent. They love plants, animals, landscapes, and natural phenomena such as the weather, stars, climate, and stones. In other words: everything that blooms and grows fascinates them. Of course, they also love to be in nature to hike and camp. I love animals a lot, but considering these last-mentioned activities, I don't think my naturalistic intelligence is very well developed.
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Sources: Braincoach, talentstimuleren.nl
