Trends and Topics Evolution in Research on Giftedness in Education: A Bibliometric Analysis

• Published in: Psychology in the schools Vol. 62; no. 9; pp. 3403 - 3413
• Main Authors: Cristina, Rius, Remedios, Aguilar‐Moya, Celia, Martínez‐Córdoba, Begoña, Cantos‐Roldan, Antonio, Vidal‐Infer
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Hoboken Wiley Subscription Services, Inc 01.09.2025
• Subjects: Academically Gifted; Bibliometrics; Educational Environment; Educational programs; Educational Trends; Emotions; Environmental aspects; Environmental Influences; Gifted education; giftedness research; high skills; Intellectual ability; psychometry; Quantitative psychology; Students; Talent management; talented educating; Topics; Trend Analysis; Trends
• ISSN: 0033-3085; 1520-6807
• DOI: 10.1002/pits.23549

ABSTRACT The article explores the evolution of research on giftedness and high ability through a bibliometric analysis. It highlights challenges in identifying gifted individuals, who represent approximately 6.5% of students, although biased instruments and discriminatory selection practices may affect the identification of high skilled students. The tripartite model, defining giftedness as a combination of high intellectual ability, exceptional achievement, and potential for excellence, serves as a fundamental framework for this study. Using Dirichlet's latent assignment model, major research topics were identified, and trends from 2013 to 2023 were analyzed based on 1071 publications in the Web of Science database. The analysis revealed that publications focus on topics such as giftedness, talent management, and educational programs, showing a significant increase in research on these areas over the past decade. Key topics included psychometrics, gifted programs, and environmental factors. The United States, Germany, and Spain led in productivity with prominent publications addressing cognitive and socio‐emotional aspects of giftedness. Findings underscore the need for targeted educational interventions, including acceleration and enrichment programs, to address the academic and emotional challenges faced by gifted students. Research is shifting toward understanding the environmental influences on these students, highlighting the importance of supportive educational environment for their success. Summary The interest in research on giftedness has increased over the last decade “Promotion and enhancement programs” is currently the most productive topic within high skills research Mathematical and Psychometric topics have declined, favoring a practical approach aligned with educational and psychological school practices.