Among academic authors, Barbara Kerr stands out as someone who has researched and written about the impact of various factors upon different genders. Her books, Smart Girls, Gifted Women; Smart Girls, Two and Smart Boys (co-authored with Sanford Cohn) have identified the influences on the gifted, based upon gender.
A few years ago, I instituted a STEAM Residential for gifted girls who were subjected to (what Liana Heitin referred to as) “a leaky pipeline" - indicating that high ability girls who are initially interested in STEM subjects do not necessarily remain involved with these subjects; tending to leave or 'leak' from the pipeline before completing courses and obtaining careers utilizing these areas. Jonathan Wei and his colleagues identified that it wasn't a one-off exposure to a STEM subject but the continued exposure, the level or 'dose' of STEM that made a positive difference for girls, over time.
Psychologist, Scott Barry Kaufman, has undertaken research into what another psychologist, Abraham Maslow referred to as “Self-Actualization'. It seems that self-actualization (or becoming the best one can be) is important for all high ability youth. To attain this, conviction, and commitment to the common good is required.
Understanding and accepting giftedness is an essential component, together with perseverance, resilience and an ethical congruence between one's work and life – which have a significant impact. Flexibility of thought patterns and acceptance of diversity have been identified as critical if one is to achieve self-actualization.
Nourishment of interests (whatever these are) plus appropriate levels of challenge, guidance and reassurance make an ongoing difference for individuals. Addressing intellectual and emotional needs must be a priority within the family for all high ability youth if these youth are to achieve their Personal Best or achieve their potential.
Understanding the responsibilities and requirements associated with having a family are important to discuss openly as are the options available if individuals are to attain a healthy balance between work, family, career, and lifestyle.
Solving problems and dealing with complex issues requires the adoption of intellectual habits of mind as well as imaginations that are used responsibly to create new programs, services, and solutions to address the conflict one feels between the way things are and the way one believes things should be.
Abraham Maslow identified that self-actualization was the highest level of attainment, achieved by only some individuals; however, to achieve this is a long-term goal which requires the early establishment of patterns of thought and behaviours that allow individuals to achieve self-actualization.
© Michele Juratowitch
michele@clearingskies.com.au