The study of cognitive and behavioral differences between gifted individuals and those with extremely high Intelligence Quotient (IQ) is crucial for understanding the complexity of the human mind. Gifted individuals, defined as those with an IQ 2 standard deviations (SD) above average, and those with extremely high IQ, 3 SD above average, have distinct characteristics that influence their social, emotional and intellectual adaptation.
Studies suggest that gifted individuals often have an imbalance in the development of different brain areas, particularly hyperactivity in the frontal region associated with executive functions and impulse control. This imbalance can contribute to the manifestation of maladaptive perfectionism, in which the relentless pursuit of perfection results in anxiety and frustration. In addition, these individuals may exhibit limited creativity in terms of innovations and out-of-the-box thinking, with behaviors often compared to the autistic spectrum, due to the compensatory attitudes they exhibit (Rabiee et al., 2019).
On the other hand, individuals with extremely high IQ (3 SD above average) demonstrate more uniform cognitive profiles. Studies indicate that these individuals explore a wider range of actions and have less rigidity in their behavioral choices. This plurality of interests and approaches is often associated with greater creativity, based on solid emotional foundations. These individuals also demonstrate a lower need for competition and a lower interest in determinism, reflecting a more developed instinctive system and a less literal and more differentiated perception of existence (Chiang et al., 2014).
Refereencia:
RODRIGUES, Fabiano de Abreu Agrela; SILVEIRA, Francis Moreira da; AVILA, Elodia; BRENNAN, Sophia Iris Moreira Utnick. Behavioral and Cognitive Differences between Gifted Individuals and Those with Extremely High IQ – People at 2SD and 3SD. Latin Science Multidisciplinary Scientific Journal, v. 8, 3, pp. 6411-6426, 2024.
