1. Nurturing Gifted Youth
Katie Beery
EDU 551-Social and Emotional Components of Giftedness
Module 2-choice assignment
4/13/16

2. What can educators, school counselors, and parents do to nurture the qualities of gifted young people?
Gifted young people need nurturing and support to fully reach their potential. It is imperative that the adults in their life do this and provide opportunities to help them continue to grow. The problem is that our understanding of giftedness is ever evolving. One of the most important things to remember is that every child is an individual. They each have different strengths, weaknesses, and abilities. To truly nurture them, we must try to find out what their needs are.

3. Developmental Theories Independent yet intertwined
Dabrowski’s Theory of Positive Disintegration
Gardner’s Theory of Multiple Intelligences
Sternberg’s Balance Theory of Wisdom
Renzulli’s Three Ring Concept of Development
Developmental Theories Independent yet intertwined

4. Dabrowski’s Theory of Positive Disintegration
The belief that “the intensity of emotions, sensitivity, and tendency toward emotional extremes was a natural part of the psychological and physical make up of gifted individuals.” (Hebert, 2011, p. 13)
Overexcitabilities, or an abundance of energy in response to stimuli is also a large part of Dabrowski’s theory that can help us to understand how gifted youth react to situations.

5. Gardner’s Theory of Multiple Intelligences
Interpersonal intelligence-the capacity to understand the motivations and desires of others and the ability to work with them
Intrapersonal intelligence-an ability of understand oneself, have a working model of their range of emotions and use this to help them in life.
These intelligences can help gifted young people to deal with these emotions and excitabilties.

6. Sternberg’s Balance Theory of Wisdom
Follows that belief that they keys to success are:
Creativity
Intelligence
Wisdom
Sternberg’s Balance Theory of Wisdom
Hebert (2011, p.39) states that “the notion of wisdom begins with the construct knowledge about oneself, others, and the context of a situation.” This definition of wisdom is directly linked to Gardner’s intelligence theory.

7. Renzulli’s Three Ring Concept of Development
Creativity
Above average ability
Task commitment
A belief that gifted individuals have:
This concept has very similar beliefs as Sternberg’s theory, showing us that there are specific things to look for and nurture in these youth.

8. Social and Emotional Characteristics
Perfectionism
Locus of control
Emotional sensitivity, intensity, and depth
Empathy
Advanced moral maturity
Self Actualization
Developed Sense of humor
Resilience

9. Perfectionism and Locus of Control
encourage perfectionism to work in a positive manner
Influence adaptive behaviors that can help a person strive to be greater and more determine in reaching achievement
This determination helps to develop a locus of control
Inner motivation or drive
Assuming responsibility for events in your own life
This can be guided and help individuals overcome adversity to reach greatness

10. Self actualization through resilience and humor
Resilience is overcoming those adversities, taking advantages of opportunities given and continuing on their path to greatness.
Many gifted individuals also have a highly developed sense of humor that aids them in overcoming those adversities.
Self actualization is the process through which one reaches their full capabilities.
We can help guide them on this path by supporting them in tough situations and providing opportunities for growth.

11. Emotional sensitivity, Empathy, and Moral Maturity
Sensitive children have an intensity and depth of feeling that influences all they do
They can also be empathetic-caring about the feelings of others and wanting to help them
Moral maturity allows one to take their beliefs and make a difference in society
Encourage these and provide ways for them to be developed
Community service projects and mentorships with like minded individuals can aid in this

12. In Conclusion
Supporting and nurturing gifted youth can be a challenge, but is vital to their success.
It is of upmost importance to remember that it will look different for each individual and will need to be adapted as they develop.
We must all work together to create this support system and ensure that they have the opportunity to reach their full potential.
“Gifted children need support in all areas of their lives: teachers who understand their intensities and learning patterns, and families who advocate for their needs and unique personalities.” SENG 2016

13. References
Hebert, T. P. (2011). Understanding the Social and Emotional Lives of Gifted Students. Waco: Prufrock Press Inc. SENG-Supporting Emotional Needs of the Gifted (April 13, 2016) retrieved from