Psychosocial functioning of high-ability youth: Insights from the Talent-project

Scientific

Intellectual giftedness is often assumed to be a risk factor for psychosocial maladjustment. However, empirical research has not unequivocally supported this assumption. In this symposium we aim to further our understanding of the psychosocial functioning of high-ability youth by (a) examining different aspects of psychosocial functioning (i.e., mental health, self-concept, peer relationships), and (b) paying attention to differences within the high-ability group. As psychosocial factors have been argued to play a key role in talent development (Subotnik et al., 2011), these insights may help support the realization of personal and societal potential.