Search Database

Life Span Development: Gifted Adults

• Developmental: Adult

  A follow-up of subjects scoring above 180 IQ in Terman's genetic studies of genius

  This article by David Feldman presents the results of the author's follow-up study of those above 180 IQ in Terman's "Genetic Studies of Genius." The author reviewed the Terman files of all the subjects who scored at this level. He provides a short summary of educational and occupational attainments, then presents a qualitative analysis of the data.

  All rivers lead to the sea: A follow-up study of gifted young adults

  This article is a follow-up study of gifted students in the Early Entrance Program (EEP) at the University of Washington, National Merit Scholarship Finalists and students who qualified for EEP, but didn't participate and how they viewed their academic decisions later in life. The study finds that most of the students in all three groups were satisfied with their decision to accelerate or not. Authored by Kathleen Noble, Nancy Robinson, and Susan Gunderson.

  Can you hear the flowers sing? Issues for gifted adults

  This article by Deirdre Lovecky explains that there has been comparatively little focus in the literature on the attributes and social and emotional needs of gifted adults. Using observational data, the author attempts to delineate some of the positive and negative social effects of traits displayed by gifted adults. Five traits (divergency, excitability, sensitivity, perceptivity, and entelechy) seem to produce potential interpersonal and intrapersonal conflict. Unless gifted adults learn to value themselves and find support, identity conflicts and depression may result. Emphasis on self-growth through knowing and accepting self leads to the discovery of sources of personal power. Nurturing relationships through realistic expectations and learning to share oneself provides a supportive environment in which gifted adults can grow and flourish.

  Gifted Adults in Work

  This article addresses gifted adults and the troubles they face.

  High IQ children at midlife: An investigation into the generalizability of Terman's genetic studies

  This article by Rena Subotnik, David Karp and Elizabeth Morgan compares two studies that were done on adults who were identified as gifted when they were children. The article explores many different aspects of the individuals lives such as marital status, income, job satisfaction, relationships, etc. Overall, the study finds these adults well-rounded and happy with their lives.

• Parenting: Parenting Strategies

  Guilty thoughts: What parents of gifted children really think

  Parents of gifted children often have guilty thoughts and feelings. Yet, the more these thoughts and feelings are acknowledged and understood, the less they will interfere. Here are a few of the most common "guilty thoughts" parents of gifted children experience.

• Parenting: Tips for Parents

  Tips for Parents: Preparing your Gifted Child to Leave Your Nest and Build Their Own

  This Tips for Parents article is from a seminar hosted by Steve and Tonya Witherspoon concerning children who are gifted, talented, and ready to succeed. The seminar was about sharing information, cultivating introspection, and developing plans for academics and the rest of children’s lives.

• Social/Emotional: Gender Specific

  An Examination of Paternal Influence on High-Achieving Gifted Males

  This study examines the
  father-son relationships of 10 prominent gifted men of achievement to identify factors influencing talent development. Through biographical analysis, 6 significant themes were identified: unconditional belief in son, strong work ethic, encouragement and guidance, maintaining high expectations and fostering determination, pride in son’s accomplishments, and mutual admiration and respect. Implications for parents and educators of high-achieving gifted males are discussed.

• Social/Emotional: Underachievement

  Underachievement in Exceptionally Gifted Adolescents and Young Adults: A Psychiatrist's View

  Jerald Grobman writes this report on a group of exceptionally gifted adolescents between the ages of 14 and 25 who were each treated in individual psychotherapy over the course of a number of years. They were referred for symptoms of anxiety, depression, self-destructive behavior, and underachievement. Each phase of their gifted development was accompanied by particular anxieties and conflicts. In adolescence they developed a powerful personal vision, a sense of destiny, and a charismatic personality. Their inability to resolve conflicts about these particular gifted traits led to their most dramatic forms of underachievement and self-destructive behavior.

• Support Materials: Book Reviews

  Misdiagnosis and Dual Diagnoses of Gifted Children and Adults

  BOOK REVIEW (Davidson Institute) - Misdiagnosis and Dual Diagnoses of Gifted Children and Adults addresses the development issues and implications of misunderstanding gifted young people and adults. The authors James, Edward, Nadia, Jean, Paul, and Richard emphasize the need for greater awareness of how giftedness (in the context of environmental factors) impacts the diagnostic process. In addition, the book provides ideas on appropriate interventions that will hopefully improve the quality of life for gifted individuals and those who interact with them.

• Talent Development: Case Studies

  What educators can learn from gifted adults

  This article by Felice Kaufman is about a study that was done on adults who were Presidential Scholars as high school students. It gives many statistics on what the adults did after graduating from high school. It explores colleges attended, degrees attained and career choices as well as some social issues.

• Talent Development: General Talent Development

  The 1964-1968 Presidential Scholars: A follow-up study

  This article by Felice Kaufmann refers to a study that was done on adults who were Presidential Scholars as high school students. It gives many statistics on what the adults did after graduating from high school by exploring colleges attended, degrees attained and career choices and more.