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What is Intrapersonal Intelligence?

Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen

The term intrapersonal intelligence may be most connected with Howard Gardner’s Theory of Multiple Intelligences. Gardner is an American psychologist whose 1983 book Frames of Mind: The Theory of Multiple Intelligences has shaped the way some educators view learning patterns of children. Though Gardner’s theories do not have universal acceptance, many educators and social scientists use or are drawn to the idea that people may have different types of intelligence, and may be particularly strong in certain types, while weak in others.

Interpersonal intelligence is one of Gardner’s terms for people who seem extremely good at facilitating relationships. These may be extroverted folks who love social environments, and in school and work they may prefer collaborative working and learning strategies. In contrast, intrapersonal intelligence describes those people who are highly self-aware. They actually may be poor at interpersonal intelligence, though this is not always the case.

Intrapersonal intelligence is often associate with perfectionism.
Intrapersonal intelligence is often associate with perfectionism.

The person with intrapersonal intelligence can be introverted, prefers to work alone, and has clear knowledge of what he or she needs in most settings. This knowledge is based on a very keen understanding of self. Such people may be excellent at self-reflection and possess clear goals for the future. They also may be highly motivated people because of what appears to be an innate understanding of what they need.

People can have a high level of intrapersonal intelligence but struggle with interpersonal relationships because they cannot understand how to relate to others.
People can have a high level of intrapersonal intelligence but struggle with interpersonal relationships because they cannot understand how to relate to others.

Some people who agree with Gardner’s theories believe that those who possess this type of intelligence in great degree need opportunities to work alone, but may require some extra care because of a high level of perfectionism associated with this form of intelligence. Children who seem very self-reflective but that lack interpersonal skills might be served by being encouraged to work in group settings from time to time to develop other intelligences. The inherent danger of intrapersonal intelligence is that the person becomes too reclusive because he or she is most satisfied by his own thoughts or work. Helping such people learn not to isolate themselves and to tolerate others who may have different goals can be valuable.

Interpersonal intelligence might be used to determine if someone is introverted.
Interpersonal intelligence might be used to determine if someone is introverted.

Some learning disabilities and conditions are described by an apparent lack of intrapersonal intelligence. For instance, people with autism may not be able to distinguish self from environment, and may also lack interpersonal intelligence. Yet there are plenty of people who do not have significant intrapersonal abilities and are not learning impaired.

Intrapersonal intelligence can determine why someone feels isolated.
Intrapersonal intelligence can determine why someone feels isolated.

While there is argument on whether Gardener’s theory of multiple intelligences is truly scientific or accurate, there’s no doubt that intrapersonal intelligence can be important. Many people seem not to know themselves to any great degree and this can lead to choices that are inconsistent with life goals or a failure to develop reasonable goals. Lack of self-reflection may also contribute to common situations where people make the same poor choices repeatedly.

Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen

Tricia has a Literature degree from Sonoma State University and has been a frequent WiseGEEK contributor for many years. She is especially passionate about reading and writing, although her other interests include medicine, art, film, history, politics, ethics, and religion. Tricia lives in Northern California and is currently working on her first novel.

Learn more...
Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen

Tricia has a Literature degree from Sonoma State University and has been a frequent WiseGEEK contributor for many years. She is especially passionate about reading and writing, although her other interests include medicine, art, film, history, politics, ethics, and religion. Tricia lives in Northern California and is currently working on her first novel.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

anon278211

Me and my significant other took the learning style test and I have intrapersonal intelligence and he came out with naturalistic intelligence. Are we compatible with each other or not?

anon148259

Yes I am one of those people who have a great interpersonal intelligence.

What's its exact difference from emotional intelligence?

anon133493

I feel nervous as well. however, make the presentation your own, and tell it as if you where sharing the best story ever.

anon30367

All you have to do when you give presentations and feel nervous is just remember that they are normal everyday people like you and me that you are giving presentations to. Do not feel intimidated.

Duca

I feel nervous during presentations. How can I avoid this problem.

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    • Intrapersonal intelligence is often associate with perfectionism.
      By: wollertz
      Intrapersonal intelligence is often associate with perfectionism.
    • People can have a high level of intrapersonal intelligence but struggle with interpersonal relationships because they cannot understand how to relate to others.
      By: djma
      People can have a high level of intrapersonal intelligence but struggle with interpersonal relationships because they cannot understand how to relate to others.
    • Interpersonal intelligence might be used to determine if someone is introverted.
      By: Minerva Studio
      Interpersonal intelligence might be used to determine if someone is introverted.
    • Intrapersonal intelligence can determine why someone feels isolated.
      By: tomalu
      Intrapersonal intelligence can determine why someone feels isolated.
    • A person with intrapersonal intelligence often has clear knowledge of what he or she needs in most settings.
      By: Victoria Andreas
      A person with intrapersonal intelligence often has clear knowledge of what he or she needs in most settings.
    • Children with advanced intrapersonal intelligence may feel isolated and depressed because they struggle with social interactions.
      By: emde71
      Children with advanced intrapersonal intelligence may feel isolated and depressed because they struggle with social interactions.
    • Children who have intrapersonal intelligence are typically popular in school.
      By: Andy Dean
      Children who have intrapersonal intelligence are typically popular in school.