High Sensitivity

On the GT message boards at http://giftedissues.gt-cybersource.org I posed the following question with following it the dialogue with another poster regarding this subject.

I wrote "Much of what is generally known and applied regarding gftedness and high intelligence focuses on academic achievement. I therefore especially like that Annemarie Roeper and Jim Delisle advocate for the socio-emotional needs of the gifted. Because of what I learned from them I drew the conclusion that high intelligence is equated with deep thinking, feeling and caring. However, I have since found that only a small percentage of people with IQ's of 130 and above display such characteristics .
Has research ever been done to determine how common high sensitivity (Dabrowski's over-excitabilities) is in gifted individuals? "

Trinity: "1) have your run across high levels of deep thinking, feeling, and caring in people with IQ levels below 130?

2) It seems reasonable, and I hope it's true, that as we adults become better advocates for gifted children then they will get their emotional needs met - which I believe includes academic challenges that give them the same amount of opportunity for challenge and growth as any other student, and they will naturally grow up better able to show their natural endowment of deep thinking, deep feeling and deep caring."

I responded: "I would have to say yes. Even though both my children and my husband have IQ's above 130, I am borderline with 129 (according to an on-line trial Mensa test). I never ever considered myself cognitively gifted probably because I did not shine in school. Language was my strength, math, physics and chemistry terrible weaknesses. I don't think I could even pass a college algebra class here unless I am more open to learning such concepts now that I'm older (I have a foreign higher vocational degree in journalism and college math was not a requirement).
My parents were both very caring, very sensitive but not of high (over 130) intelligence. Above average for sure and because of that high sensitive nature they were in my opinion anyway very gifted! That's why it would be interesting to see how sensitivity is spread out in people according to IQ.

I do agree with you that when socio-emotional needs are met in early life maybe more kids with high intelligence will keep their sensitive nature. Maybe school takes it out of many? On the other hand it seems possible that some people are born with a high speed brain but not necessarily with the enriching software to use on it. Maybe it is nurture (of home environment) that adds the caring component to nature (of genetic intelligence)?"

Trinity: "One of my favorite books on the subject is "IQ and Intelligence" by N. J. Mackintosh. It's really full of interesting ideas!
I'm curious how you can state that "small percentage of people with IQ's of 130 and above display such characteristics" I have many dear friends and have no idea what their IQ's are. I don't know what my own IQ is. When talking about high ability learners, it's important to realize that IQ tests were not designed to measure them. Each test picks it's own upper limit as well. This is a fasinating area and I'm glad that you are interested. I will say of the few people who's IQs I know, that they seem to have the full range of human strengths and frailties.

I am also grateful that you also bring up a very important issue for Advocates of Gifted Children. The word "Gifted" iteslf is a very difficult one. On one hand it seems to be recognized by a great many people to at least mean: highly intelligent. On the other hand, it seems to instantly put everone on the defensive, as if it imply that some people are "gifted" and everyone else is "worthless." I have observed this many times. I believe that a creator created each human precious, with many gifts and challenge areas. So I find myself hamstrung. I've settled for "children who are not appropriatly challenged by the normal age-appropriate cirricula" when trying to Advocate for my son. Any suggestions will be much appreciated."

I responded: "Of course my observation is far from scientific but I have in fact talked with quite a large number of high school students (over 150 to date) who are identified as gifted; the vast majority of them are cognitively gifted besides also being academically gifted and a much smaller number who are also creatively gifted. I volunteer at my son's high school in the GT Office to help the GT coordinator take inventory of the GT kids on his roster. Although all of these kids are simply delightful to meet with and their intelligence practically sparkles in their eyes I can say that I intuit that not a majority of them has the kind of sensitivity that Delisle and Roeper mention and which I see in my daughter and other family members.
I also advocate on the Gifted and Talented Board in our school District and as such have met with adults who more likely than not also have high intelligence, yet I have not recognized that high sensitivity and caring in them."


Trinity "The word "Gifted" iteslf is a very difficult one. On one hand it seems to be recognized by a great many people to at least mean: highly intelligent. "

I responded: "True enough; if only teachers were convinced of that also, but they do seem to assume that gifted kids should be good at everything."

Trinity "..it seems to instantly put everone on the defensive, as if it imply that some people are "gifted" and everyone else is "worthless."

I responded: "Gifted people are merely different! They can become "worthless" especially when formal schooling saps them of motivation.

Trinity "I've settled for "children who are not appropriatly challenged by the normal age-appropriate cirricula" when trying to Advocate for my son."

I responded: I think that is what all children deserve; to learn something new and hopefully in an engaging and exciting way as well; not simply by "drill the skill". There are some good resources; I particularly like the following as an inroduction for teachers. http://go.hrw.com/resources/go_sc/gen/HSTPR078.PDF