Family context, gifted, talented and high capacity children

Abstract

This study analyzes the family context of high capacity children in a sample of 530 10-year-old school children. 45 gifted subjects were identified alongside 64 with creative talent, 6 who were both gifted and possessed creative talent and 15 high capacity subjects. Maternal cultural level, type of school attended and assertive parenting style were identified as variables associated with the family contexts of gifted children. Maternal cultural level, linked to the mother not working outside the home, was found to be associated with the family contexts of children with creative talent, as well as to those of children who were both gifted and highly creative. Social inadaptation was associated with high capacity children. Key words: family context and gifted children.