Prof. Dr. Tessa Kieboom encompasses these characteristics in the so-called ‘being aspect’. These being characteristics, she argues, occur in all people, but are more prominent in gifted individuals, requiring a different approach. Which being characteristics are we talking about?
Perfectionisme
Tessa Kieboom calls this the ‘confrontation with the complexity of things’. Perfectionism is directly related to giftedness, and fear of failure lurks in the background. Gifted individuals set the bar high and have high expectations of themselves. If they subsequently realize that they cannot yet do something, they either do not start it or suddenly quit: “Better to do nothing than to make mistakes.”
Rechtvaardigheidsgevoel
Rules and agreements are very important to gifted individuals, as are promises. If these are broken without good reason, it often leads to feelings of dissatisfaction and arguments. This behavior is also characteristic of the autism spectrum, and as a result, gifted individuals are frequently incorrectly diagnosed with this condition. Additionally, their sense of justice manifests as idealism. For instance, gifted individuals are often concerned about injustice in the world, wars, natural disasters, and animal suffering.
Hoogsensitiviteit
About 25% of people are highly sensitive and approximately 2.5% are gifted. A highly sensitive person can be gifted, but a gifted person is always highly sensitive.
Gifted individuals react more sensitively to sound, clothing labels irritate them, and their senses of touch and taste are strong. They can intensely enjoy art and music and be moved or saddened by a story, film, or book. Additionally, they are more anxious and apprehensive than others because they are more aware of what might happen. Gifted individuals take rejection or disappointment more seriously. High sensitivity is therefore one of the most essential characteristics of being in gifted adults, as well as children.
Kritische houding
Gifted individuals are often particularly observant and critical. This can lead to high quality, but also to conflict. Many gifted people approach a situation rigidly or from a carefully formed conviction, making it difficult to change. If someone handles a situation incorrectly in the eyes of a gifted person, this is not easily forgotten. Gifted individuals can also be painfully honest, which can sometimes lead to uncomfortable situations.
De theorie van Dabrowski en hoogbegaafdheid
Another model that further explains differences in sensitivity between people and resonates strongly with gifted individuals is that of Dabrowski, a Polish psychiatrist who developed a personality theory, the so-called Theory of Positive Disintegration . One aspect of this theory is overexcitabilities, areas in which people are ‘superstimulable.’ He described this as a greatly heightened response of the nervous system to stimuli. These overexcitabilities are not indications of a disorder but rather stimulate personality development. Dabrowski’s students conducted research into the connection between these overexcitabilities and giftedness. In 2009, Frank Valk and Nancy Miller conducted a meta-analysis of these studies, which repeatedly shows that gifted individuals are consistently more ‘overexcitable,’ particularly regarding the emotional, intellectual, and imaginative channels. In young children of preschool age, these sensitivities are often already recognizable and serve as an important indicator for predicting giftedness.
Dotado incorporates Dabrowski’s theory into studies on giftedness in both children and adults, through interviews addressing personality traits, as well as through a standardized questionnaire, the OEQ-II.
Bronnen:
Mendaglio, S. (2008) Dabrowski’s Theory Of Positive Disintegration. Anodyne, Inc. DBA Great Potential Press, Inc.
Kieboom, T. & Venderickx, K. (2017). More than intelligent. The many faces of giftedness in adolescents and adults. Tielt, Belgium: Lannoo
Verder lezen?
Dabrowski’s Theory of Positive Disintegration.
Gifted individuals have great potential to grow and develop profoundly in their personality.
Misdiagnosis of gifted individuals
Why are so many gifted individuals wrongly diagnosed with AD(H)D, autism, depression, etc.?
Giftedness and Work
Gifted adults who come to us for coaching regularly come to us with a work-related question. They are gifted and stuck in the workplace.
Hulp nodig?
For coaching
(presumably) gifted adults, Dotado offers a safe environment with deep understanding and knowledge of what it means to be gifted and/or highly sensitive.
Assessment:
When are you gifted? Assessment involves gaining insight into that missing puzzle piece, allowing you to better understand yourself and your own life path. Attention is also paid to your specific sensitivities to overstimulation.