Self-Concept in Gifted Children: Differential Impact in Boys and Girls

Abstract

Gifted 9-12-year-old children were compared with non-gifted children on three paper and pencil measures of self-concept. Additional personality and behavioral information on each child was provided by his/her mother and teacher. Giftedness seemed to be an advantage for girls but not for boys. Gifted girls described themselves as having a more positive self-concept and a more internal locus of control than did non-gifted girls. No such differences were found with boys. In fact, gifted boys gave some evidence of lower self-satisfaction, particularly in areas of physical strength and aggressiveness, when compared to non-gifted boys. Mothers and teachers similarly reported fewer problem areas for gifted girls but no such differences between gifted and non-gifted boys. The findings are discussed in the context of cultural sex-role expectations.