Discussion of the creative self considers ideas of the described, not defined, self; the differentiated self; intensity, transformation, and development of the creative self; complexity of the creative self; the dialectical self; dialectical personality traits or bipolar mood disorder; and the inventive self. (DB)

This essay uses poetry and diary entries of highly gifted young people to portray the process of individual identity development. Among topics discussed are theories of identity development, adolescence, awareness of difference by intellectually gifted children, development of a protective mask to hide a love of learning, moral development, and…

Identifies fundamental principles of psychology to explain how the self begins and develops over the life span. The influences that contribute to the creation of false and true selves in gifted children are discussed and strategies for promoting the true self of gifted children are offered. (Author/DB)

The relationship between emotional maturity and the developing self in the gifted individual is examined. Emotional maturity is seen to involve the integration of intrapersonal and interpersonal aspects of the personality. The developing self is thought to be more than the sum of its components and becomes a global factor in the development of a…

This essay takes the form of a dialog between the human "Self" and a questioner and explores the nature of individual self-consciousness, the Freudian model of the self, the development of the self in early childhood, the importance of parents in the self's development, and special problems of self-awareness in gifted students. (DB)

This qualitative study investigated the lived experience of depression in 10 gifted adolescents. Analysis of in-depth unstructured interviews revealed the gifted adolescent's absolute need for knowledge, for communion, and for expression. The gifted adolescent is at risk for depression when any or all of these needs are stymied. (Author/DB)

Describes the development of the self in gifted individuals based on observations in therapy and counseling settings. The concept of the self, problems of "differentness," and the gifted self are considered. Issues such as perfectionism, labeling, adult development, and excellence versus equity are discussed and illustrated with…

Looks at early traits of self-efficacy in young gifted children in terms of a self that is aware and actively evaluative and seeks its own actualization. Three areas of expression of self-efficacy are depicted: the intellectual, the emotional, and the volitional. Parenting issues with regard to early self-efficacy are explored. (Author/DB)