Abstract
Research from the individual-differences tradition pertinent to the optimal development of exceptional talent is reviewed, using the theory of work adjustment (TWA) to organize fundings. The authors show how TWA concepts and psychometric methods, when used together, can facilitate positive development among talented youth by aligning learning opportunities with salient aspects of each student's individuality. Longitudinal research and more general theoretical models of (adult) academic and intellectual development support this approach. This analysis also uncovers common threads running through several positive psychological concepts (e.g., effectance motivation, flow, and peak experiences). The authors conclude by underscoring some important ideals from counseling psychology for fostering intellectual development and psychological well-being. These include conducting a multifaceted assessment, focusing on strength, helping people make choices, and providing a developmental context for bridging educational and industrial psychology to facilitate positive psychological growth throughout the life span.
Keywords
ExcellencePsychologyPositive psychologyLife spanAdult developmentContext (archaeology)Developmental stage theoriesSalientApplied psychologyDevelopmental psychologySocial psychologyEpistemology
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Publication Info
- Year
- 2000
- Type
- article
- Volume
- 55
- Issue
- 1
- Pages
- 137-150
- Citations
- 216
- Access
- Closed
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Cite This
David Lubinski,
Camilla Persson Benbow
(2000).
States of excellence..
American Psychologist
, 55
(1)
, 137-150.
https://doi.org/10.1037//0003-066x.55.1.137
Identifiers
- DOI
- 10.1037//0003-066x.55.1.137