Description:
Giftedness is often defined by achievement, talent, and intelligence. But what does it actually feel like to be gifted?
A Psychology of Giftedness: The Five Forces Model introduces a powerful new framework for understanding the emotional and psychological experience of gifted individuals. Drawing on decades of counseling practice, scholarly reflection, and real-world observation, Sal Mendaglio, PhD, presents the Five Forces Model--an integrated approach that illuminates the internal dynamics shaping gifted behavior and development.
Mendaglio identifies five core psychological forces commonly present in gifted individuals:
- Heightened sensitivity
- Superior analytical ability
- Self-criticism
- Natural impulsivity
- Need for approval
Together, these forces create the intensity, complexity, and emotional depth that often characterize gifted children and adults. When misunderstood, these traits can lead to conflict, frustration, and misinterpretation. When understood, they become powerful pathways to growth, connection, and resilience.
This book guides parents, educators, and counselors through practical applications of the model, using vivid vignettes and real-world scenarios that illustrate how these forces emerge in everyday interactions. Readers learn how to recognize gifted emotional patterns, reframe challenging behaviors, and respond with insight rather than frustration.
Rather than focusing solely on achievement or talent development, A Psychology of Giftedness centers the lived experience of gifted individuals--offering a compassionate, psychologically grounded lens for understanding giftedness as a complex human experience.
Thoughtful, accessible, and deeply practical, this book provides a new roadmap for supporting gifted individuals at home, in school, and beyond.
Brief description: Sal Mendaglio, PhD, is a counseling psychologist and internationally recognized scholar in gifted education. His work focuses on the psychological experience of gifted individuals, including emotional intensity, sensitivity, and development. Drawing on decades of counseling practice, research, and teaching, Mendaglio has contributed extensively to the understanding of giftedness beyond achievement and talent development. His Five Forces Model offers a new framework for understanding the lived experience of gifted individuals and supporting their growth.