Association between general intelligence, creativity and wisdom in gifted adolescents: empirical findings from a non-western country

The links between general intelligence, creativity and wisdom has been widely investigated and documented over the past years. However, there is currently no consensus on how these constructs are related among gifted students. In this study, we aimed to explore the intersections of general intelligence, creativity, and wisdom among sample of gifted adolescent students in Iran. In the academic year of 2019-2020, 532 talented male secondary students aged 15 to 18 studying in private high schools were selected using a purposive sampling method. In total, 70 students who scored 120 or more on the Raven’s Advanced Progressive Matrices, were recognized as gifted and asked to complete the Abedi-Schumacher Creativity Test and the Three-Dimensional Wisdom Scale. The results indicated that there is a positive and significant correlation between creativity and wisdom (r = .53, p < .001). However, the correlation between general intelligence and wisdom (r = .15, p = .05), and the correlation between general intelligence and creativity (r = .17, p = .05) did not turn out to be meaningful. With regard to the links between creativity and wisdom, it could be concluded that creativity and its development have an important role in the development of wisdom leading to a successful and satisfying life. Future research studies in gifted education, therefore, should prioritize creativity as an attempt for students to achieve development and growth. The current study enriches the empirical research on the interplay between general intelligence, creativity, and wisdom in gifted adolescents living in Iran.