Divergent thinking and Executive functions in children: A developmental perspective based on intellectual capacity

•During adolescence, Planning, Working Memory and Verbal Fluent Divergent thinking (DT) increase with age.•Figural DT demonstrated a downward trend as schooling progressed.•Variables related to Executive Functions (EF) and DT significantly predict Intelligence.•More research is need to delve deeper into the relationship between EF, DT and Intelligence. Despite the importance of Executive functions, Divergent thinking, and intelligence in 21st century society, few studies have analyzed these variables in childhood and adolescence. The present study aimed to examine whether Executive functions and Divergent thinking have a developmental perspective and whether these variables predict intelligence. A non-clinical sample of 159 adolescents (78 girls and 81 boys) between 12 and 16 years of age (M=13.29 years; SD=1.17) participated in the study. Three tests were administered: (1) the Ice cream Virtual Reality Test to measure Executive functions; (2) the PIC-J to evaluate Divergent thinking; and (3) the WISC-V to measure cognitive variables. Executive functions were found to be developmental, as was verbal fluency as a creative component. However, only the Executive functions predicted intelligence. These findings provide information about how Executive functions develop and may contribute to helping develop students’ talents. They also highlight the importance of learning more about Divergent thinking.