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

Abstract

G i f t e d 9 -1 2 -y e a r -o l d c h i l d r e n w e r e c o m p a r e d 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 selfconcept and a more internal locus of control than did non-gifted girls. No such differences were found with boys. In fact, gif…