Developmental Intelligence: Toward a New Construct
Abstract
This article proposes Developmental Intelligence (DI) as a new construct for Developmental Science. Developmental Intelligence is defined as the capacity to recognize, navigate, and leverage developmental transitions — one's own and others' — in service of sustained growth and effective action. Drawing on the Misfit's Revival Framework and the author's work mentoring emerging leaders across four continents, the construct is distinguished from related concepts including emotional intelligence, social intelligence, and cognitive complexity. The author proposes a three-component model of Developmental Intelligence grounded in identity formation, healing, and purposive action.
Further Reading
Works for further study on the themes of this article.
- Day, D. V., Fleenor, J. W., Atwater, L. E., et al. (2014). Advances in leader and leadership development: A review of 25 years of research and theory. The Leadership Quarterly, 25(1), 63-82. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.leaqua.2013.11.004
- Ericsson, K. A., Krampe, R. T., & Tesch-Römer, C. (1993). The role of deliberate practice in the acquisition of expert performance. Psychological Review, 100(3), 363-406. https://doi.org/10.1037/0033-295X.100.3.363
- King, P. M., & Kitchener, K. S. (2004). Reflective judgment: Theory and research on the development of epistemic assumptions through adulthood. Educational Psychologist, 39(1), 5-18. https://doi.org/10.1207/s15326985ep3901_2
- Kuhn, D. (2000). Metacognitive development. Current Directions in Psychological Science, 9(5), 178-181. https://doi.org/10.1111/1467-8721.00088
- Mayer, J. D., Caruso, D. R., & Salovey, P. (1999). Emotional intelligence meets traditional standards for an intelligence. Intelligence, 27(4), 267-298. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0160-2896(99)00016-1
- Sternberg, R. J. (1999). The theory of successful intelligence. Review of General Psychology, 3(4), 292-316. https://doi.org/10.1037/1089-2680.3.4.292
- Suedfeld, P., & Tetlock, P. E. (1977). Integrative complexity of communications in international crises. Journal of Conflict Resolution, 21(1), 169-184. https://doi.org/10.1177/002200277702100108
- Zimmerman, B. J. (2002). Becoming a self-regulated learner: An overview. Theory Into Practice, 41(2), 64-70. https://doi.org/10.1207/s15430421tip4102_2
Books by Our Authors
Titles by the authors of this issue and by the press's founder.
- Kevin Muchiri, PhD. Anchor. ISBN 9798994572825.
- Kevin Muchiri, PhD. The Misfits Revival. ISBN 9798994572801.