Multigenerational Giftedness: Perceptions of Giftedness across Three Generations

• Published in: Journal for the education of the gifted Vol. 33; no. 4; pp. 606 - 627
• Main Authors: Perrone, Kristin M., Ksiazak, Tracy M., Wright, Stephen L., Vannatter, Aarika, Crane, Amy L., Tanney, Angela
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Los Angeles, CA SAGE Publications 22.06.2010; Sage Publications, Inc; SAGE PUBLICATIONS, INC; Prufrock Press Inc
• Subjects: Ability Identification; Academic achievement; Academically Gifted; Adults; Age Differences; Cognitive Structures; Domestic relations; Education; Family Attitudes; Family relations; Gifted; Gifted persons; Graduate Surveys; High School Graduates; Higher Education; Intelligence Differences; Intelligence Tests; Intergenerational transmission; Longitudinal Studies; Mail Surveys; Sample size; Standard deviation; Students; Studies; Surveys; United States
• ISSN: 0162-3532; 2162-9501
• DOI: 10.1177/016235321003300407

The focus of this study was on gifted adults' perceptions of multigenerational giftedness in their families. Participants have been surveyed annually since their high school graduation in 1988. The purpose of the longitudinal study is to gain insight into the career and life development of gifted individuals post-high school. For the present follow-up study, data were collected via the Internet and mailed surveys and analyzed by a 5-member research team. Participants reported their perceptions of whether or not their parents and children were gifted and the areas of giftedness. The number of participants who perceived both parents to be gifted was roughly equal to those stating that neither parent was gifted. Areas of perceived giftedness differed between mothers and fathers. The majority of participants identified at least one of their children as gifted. Specific areas of giftedness perceived in participants' children and parents are described. Implications of the findings are discussed.