By: Dr. Natalie Banaskiwitz
The analysis presented in the article “Personality assessment of intellectually gifted adults: A dimensional trait approach” by Matta et al. (2018) explores the interrelationship between high intellectual abilities and personality traits, using a dimensional approach to better understand psychological vulnerability and patterns of social adjustment in gifted adults. The study stands out for its attempt to fill gaps in the literature on the personality of individuals with high abilities, especially with regard to the impact of these abilities on psychological and social functioning.
Dimensional Approach to Personality
The article uses Livesley’s dimensional model, which proposes that personality traits should be assessed along a continuum, ranging from adaptive to dysfunctional, rather than rigid categorizations of mental disorders. This model is particularly appropriate for the gifted population, since the vulnerabilities presented by these individuals often do not fit the formal criteria for psychopathological diagnosis, but can still generate significant difficulties in the social and emotional sphere.
This approach is appropriate, given that the development of gifted adults does not necessarily align with typical trajectories. Dimensional assessment allows us to capture the complexity and variation in personality traits without necessarily pathologizing these differences. Research has identified important differences in traits such as rejection and narcissism, suggesting that gifted individuals may be more prone to social adjustment difficulties and isolation.
Vulnerability Traits and Psychosocial Implications
The results reveal that gifted adults scored significantly higher on traits of dismissiveness and narcissism when compared to the control group. Traits such as low affiliation and restricted expression were also highlighted, indicating difficulties in establishing affective relationships and a possible tendency towards social isolation. These findings corroborate the “disharmony” theory, which suggests that individuals with high intelligence face unique social and emotional challenges, which may predispose them to psychological vulnerabilities.
The interpretation of the data points to a possible link between the lack of emotional support during childhood and the development of dysfunctional personality traits. The absence of an environment that recognizes and adequately meets the needs of these individuals during development can result in maladaptive personality traits, such as compulsivity and suspiciousness. These traits, although they do not necessarily lead to serious psychopathological disorders, can make social interactions and adaptation in interpersonal environments difficult.
Gender Differences
The study also explored gender differences within the gifted group, revealing that women tend to display greater emotional vulnerabilities, such as anxiety and identity issues, while men tend to display higher levels of narcissism and callousness. These results suggest that gifted women may face additional challenges related to social norms and gender expectations that exacerbate their difficulties in regulating emotions and finding appropriate support for their exceptional abilities.
The observed gender gap can also be interpreted in light of sociocultural pressures on gifted women, who often struggle to balance their intellectual abilities with broader gender expectations. This conflict can contribute to increased feelings of inadequacy and isolation, which in turn can negatively impact mental health and overall well-being.
Final Considerations and Limitations
The article by Matta et al. offers a valuable contribution to the understanding of personality in gifted adults. However, it is important to note that the study is limited by its sample restricted to Mensa members, which may not fully represent the diversity of the gifted population. Future studies should consider a broader and more diverse sample, including adults with other forms of giftedness and different educational and professional trajectories.
Furthermore, the dimensional approach employed is effective in capturing nuances in personality vulnerabilities, but it could be complemented by longitudinal assessments that track the development of these characteristics over time. Such an approach could provide a more complete view of how giftedness and personality traits interact with the environment to shape psychological development.
Conclusion
The findings of Matta et al. demonstrate that individuals with high intellectual abilities have personality traits that, although not pathological, can hinder social and emotional adaptation, especially in contexts where their emotional needs have not been adequately met. The research highlights the importance of an adequate supportive environment from childhood, as well as recognizing the unique characteristics of these individuals to prevent their psychological vulnerabilities from becoming greater difficulties in adulthood.
References
- MATTA, M.; GRITTI, ES; LANG, M. Personality assessment of intellectually gifted adults: A dimensional trait approach. Personality and Individual Differences, 2018. DOI: 10.1016/j.paid.2018.05.009 .
