This paper reviews empirical research related to the personality and affective characteristics of gifted students in the Israeli educational context. The educational backdrop for the research is described and group differences in personality, emotional intelligence, self-identity, and mental health are discussed. Conclusions include a number of…

Twenty-two self-awareness activities designed to discover more about the internalized adult, parent, and child within each gifted student are presented. Among activities listed are planning to have more time for things one enjoys doing, recalling past feelings and becoming aware of current feelings, and thinking about future occupations. (CL)

Affective traits (persistence, independence, and self-concept) are examined according to their relationship to giftedness. The author then poses questions regarding the affective results of labeling students gifted and cites problems with matching students' learning styles with their environments. (CL)

Some gifted children react disproportionately to criticism even when it is presented in a constructive and caring manner. This intense negative reaction may rest on unrealistic views of what it means to be gifted, sensitivity, high expectations of self and others, and self-criticism. (JDD)

Parents of gifted preschoolers are advised of research on their role in stimulating cognitive development, achievement motivation, affective development, and social development. Suggestions are also offered regarding interactions with extended family members, school personnel, friends, and strangers. (CL)

A review of literature on sensitivity as an affective characteristic of gifted persons is presented. A multifaceted approach to sensitivity is proposed, conceptualizing it as consisting of cognitive and affective dimensions of both interpersonal and intrapersonal sensitivity. The psychological concepts of self-awareness, perspective taking,…

A series of studies with learning disabled (LD) elementary grade students in eight schools investigated the relationship between class placement (regular class, part time regular class, or special class) and self concept. Ss were administered the Piers Harris Children's Self Concept Scale before and after placement changes. Results included the…

An approach to assessment is described in which elementary children's motivation to learn and perceptions of ability and social acceptance are measured, in addition to the more traditional ability and achievement measures. Case studies of 4 gifted children (ages 7-10) are presented to investigate how individual differences in self-perception and…

Nine author-contributed papers focus on the needs of preschool gifted and talented children. M. Karnes presents "The Challenge" of educating this population, reviews characteristics of gifted/talented children, and offers guidelines for developing programs for students, including gifted minority and gifted handicapped children. A variety of…

The curriculum presented in this guide focuses on enhancing the mental health of children in Head Start or in other comprehensive early childhood programs. The guide begins with two introductory sections: "Stress and Children," describing stressors in young children's lives, how children manifest stress, and teachers' role in mediating…