The vulnerabilities of gifted and talented students: socio-cognitive and affective issues

ABSTRACT Dealing with giftedness involves a complex and systemic view, given the heterogeneity of this group. Gifted and talented children and youngsters may have different educational and emotional needs, resulting from their cognitive complexity, greater response intensity, emotional sensitivity, vivid imagination, unique interests, personality characteristics and conflicts that differ from their peers. In response to this complexity, gifted and talented individuals may exhibit maladjusted social behaviors, hostility, aggression, low self-concept, insecurity, frustration, anger, and feelings of inadequacy. When not recognized and worked on, these characteristics can take the individual to a position of vulnerability and socioemotional risk. It is important to have a greater understanding of the gifted person's cognitive, emotional, affective, and social world, in order to reduce the vulnerabilities of this group, bringing awareness about their specific way of acting in the world. Clarification of the differentiated affective characteristics of these students and their specific needs can help parents and teachers to outline an environment more suitable for their development.