Why do gifted people underperform?

Some underachieving students may lack self-efficacy, goal-directedness, or self-regulation skills (Siegle & McCoach, 2001); other low achievers may suffer from either obvious or hidden disabilities. Still others may underachieve in response to inappropriate educational conditions or environments.

Why highly gifted learners sometimes underperform?

Underachievement may stem from emotional causes, such as pressure to conform, fear of failure, and low self-esteem. Environmental causes include cultural influences, lack of a supportive academic environment, and an unsupportive family structure, including living a transient lifestyle.

Why do gifted people struggle?

Answer: They often have trouble listening to people who are not as quick, smart and bright as they are or who are talking about things that don't interest them. As a result they can appear distracted, impatient or irritable when put in those situations.

Why are gifted students unmotivated?

Gifted students often become bored, frustrated, or unchallenged in regular classrooms. Gifted students who are forced to follow lessons that are painstakingly slow and who are not exposed to new fields of interest are more likely to gradually become demotivated and disengaged from learning.

Why do gifted students struggle in school?

In addition to pressures from academic and family expectations, students who are gifted may struggle in school because of social issues. Some of the issues these students can face in school include: Embarrassment for being different or standing out. Bullying from peers due to their intelligence or differences.

6 Types of Gifted People - Which One Are You?

What are the downsides of giftedness?

Without understanding and support, gifted kids face an increased risk of anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem, along with social and academic problems. Currently, experts estimate that up to 1 in 50 gifted kids drop out of school, while many more fail to live up to their full academic potential.

What is the downfall of gifted child?

Studies have shown that without proper intellectual and emotional education, gifted students are at higher risk for poor mental health — which is often joined at the hip with peer exclusion, isolation and stress, according to Cambridge University.

Do gifted kids struggle later in life?

Gifted children can turn into insecure, anxious and depressed gifted adults when sibling and other family interactions in childhood make them doubt their value and lovability. It doesn't take much emotional abuse (bullying by a family member) for a gifted child to believe something is wrong with them, not the bully.

What is the controversy with gifted students?

For decades, gifted and talented programs have offered small, selected groups of students enrichment and faster-paced lessons. They also have stoked controversy and allegations of contributing to racial segregation and academic inequality.

Are gifted kids more depressed?

Gifted children appear to be especially susceptible to a type of depression called “existential.” Existential depression occurs when a child (or adult, for that matter) confronts the big issues of life like death, freedom, isolation and the meaning of life. It is sometimes called “what's the point” depression.

Are gifted people slow?

Processing speed is not the same as intelligence; it is possible to be gifted yet process information slowly compared to peers. Similarly, processing speed is not the same as physical quickness; it is possible to have very quick physical reactions and yet process information slowly.

What are profoundly gifted people like?

Profoundly gifted people often have a strong emotional depth at a young age, mature sense of humor, strong sense of curiosity and unique interests, and are able to learn things early and rapidly.

How do you motivate a gifted underachiever?

What is a gifted underachiever?

Gifted "underachievers under-the-radar" are frequently overlooked, and sometimes even mistaken for high achievers. These are the exceptionally gifted students who coast through school, often receiving average to high average grades, but who fail to reach their potential.

What is the 99th percentile gifted and talented?

Level Three Gifted:

Approximately 98–99th percentiles on standardized tests. Terms Highly to Exceptionally Gifted or Very Advanced on IQ tests. IQ scores of about 130 to 140. One or two per grade level, more in high socioeconomic schools.

Who are underrepresented gifted students?

The studies found that Black, Hispanic, and Native American students are underrepresented in gifted identification due in part to the over use of traditional identification methods such as IQ tests and standardized testing.

What are three unique issues that often affect gifted and talented students?

Are gifted students socially awkward?

Social shyness and awkwardness in new situations are very common with gifted children. Parents need to handle their child's difficulty in new situations by setting up interactions that will not be threatening and giving help when help is needed.

What percentage of kids are truly gifted?

It may depend where you live. While we like to think everyone is special, some people have extraordinary abilities — intellectual, artistic, social, or athletic. Many experts believe only 3 to 5 percent of the population is gifted, though some estimates reach 20 percent.

What is the trauma of being a gifted child?

Gifted trauma stems from childhood issues with feeling like you don't belong anywhere because of your gift. Bullying, starving for mental stimulation, school mismatch, and other issues specific to the life experience of the gifted child may also contribute both to the main mental health issue and gift-specific trauma.

Is gifted neurodivergent?

Gifted children may display neurodivergent traits without being neurodivergent, but because missing a diagnosis carries risks, parents and educators should err on the side of caution and be willing to assess gifted children.

Which personality disorder is the most common in gifted children?

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Traits such as intensity, impatience, sensitivity, and high energy are common in children with ADHD , as well as in gifted children. Some gifted children do have ADHD, but many do not. They are at a different developmental level than other children.

Why are gifted people socially awkward?

Profoundly gifted people who have trouble socially, generally either were not helped to manage their differences with others when they were growing up, or they have other issues that interfere with social interaction (and would have social issues even if they were not PG).

What is the most common reason gifted children misbehave?

Sometimes gifted and talented children get along well with others. Other times, they might not fit in. Gifted and talented children might behave in challenging ways because they question rules, feel frustrated or lack learning opportunities.