The hidden characteristics of giftedness among children and adults

Abstract EN

Since the beginning of the 20th century, many books and articles have been written about gifted children.

However, there has been comparatively little focus in the literature on the characteristics and psychological traits of gifted adults.

639 students participated in three separate studies using four different scales and a qualitative interview in order to investigate the hidden characteristics of giftedness.

The study was also searching for explanations behind the ―disappearance‖ of gifted children into the vast territory of adulthood.

The results show that creativity is a self-decision factor that is based on psychological characterises such as self-regulation, internal motivation, self-awareness, and interest.

In addition, creativity is viewed and defined differently between children and adults