According to Theory of Multiple Intelligences, the ability to understand one’s own feelings, motives and desires falls under which type of intelligence?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → Intrapersonal
Option (1) Interpersonal — Incorrect. Interpersonal intelligence is the ability to understand the motives, feelings and behaviours of other people, so as to bond into a comfortable relationship with them. The question is about one’s own feelings, not other people’s.
Option (2) Intrapersonal — Correct. Gardner defines it as an ability to understand one’s own feelings, motives and desires. It is the knowledge of one’s internal strengths and limitations, used to relate effectively to others; philosophers and spiritual leaders are examples.
Option (3) Bodily-Kinaesthetic — Incorrect. It is the ability to use the whole body or parts of it flexibly and creatively, as dancers, athletes and surgeons do. It concerns movement, not understanding one’s feelings.
Option (4) Linguistic — Incorrect. It is the capacity to use language fluently and flexibly to express one’s thinking and understand others, as poets and writers do.
NCERT (2025-26): “Theory of Multiple Intelligences … Howard Gardner proposed the theory of multiple intelligences. According to him, intelligence is not a single entity; rather distinct types of intelligences exist.…” “Interpersonal … This is the ability to understand the motives, feelings and behaviours of other people so as to bond into a comfortable relationship with others. Psychologists, counsellors, politicians, social workers, and religious leaders are likely to possess high interpersonal intelligence.…” “Intrapersonal … This refers to the knowledge of one’s internal strengths and limitations and using that knowledge to effectively relate to others. Persons high on this ability have finer sensibilities regarding their identity, human existence, and meaning of life. Philosophers and spiritual leaders present examples of this type of intelligence.…” |