Personal development gurus have taken over the subject of high intellectual potential. There is not a single space where we do not hear about these individuals characterized by particular attributes. They are considered too intelligent to be fulfilled, and too different to have harmonious relationships. This glorifying stigmatization does not help us to better understand a phenomenon linked to a narcissistic era. But what exactly are we talking about?
We are talking about having a certain intellectual coefficient, which can be translated into a "potential" for certain skills. But not necessarily. We are talking here about potentiality of realization. This does not allow us to state with certainty that the specific talents will be there. We attribute to these "high potentials" IQs greater than or equal to 130, that is to say about 3% of a population above the norm. That is. The intelligence tests carried out by specialists are based on tests that evaluate this IQ score, and are therefore there to evaluate the overall cognitive functioning. However, they do not shed any light on the personality of these individuals.
In France, we have this cult of accademic intelligence. We like to make up stories about the emotions and personalities of gifted or precocious children. The pseudo character traits specific to "PIs" such as hypersensitivity are in no way based on psychological studies. Nevertheless, one can find artistic sensitivities in some people, or an attraction for subjects that make the imagination work, which are very often means of escaping inner disorder. When we look at a large panel of "HPI", we see that there are no more lonely or depressed individuals, nor even those with a greater sense of justice than the average. One of the myths is that HPI children have more difficulties in school than others. This is not a proven fact. There is also a tendency to equate "HPI" with autism. There is also no link between HPI and attention deficit disorder in children; no correlation. Another myth.
Can we agree that there are similar traits between these "high intellectual potentials"? Well, there is indeed a pronounced cognitive tendency for early learning in reading and language use. We can also distinguish a certain quality of thinking and understanding on complex subjects. But this does not make it a generalization, because there are also normalized "HPIs" who blend into the background without showing any particular rough edges. It can be said, however, that HPI's need to be stimulated and challenged, otherwise boredom sets in. But isn't that the case for all those who love what they do?
We can observe all those parents hoping to see in their offspring traces of extraordinary intelligence. For some, it's their way of seeing themselves out of the ordinary, isn't it? And then to look for a diagnosis at all costs is not a good idea. It stigmatizes the child and locks him in a kind of pathology "to be treated", and it gives too much importance to the child, to his ego. This has the effect of making him capricious. It is the syndrome of the child king. This is counterproductive in the end. We justify ourselves with a label to be able to explain a suffering, a disorder. But any disturbance in the construction of the young being in the making does not make him or her a "high intellectual potential", you see? One sometimes has the impression that parents hope that their child will be diagnosed in this way. It is another way of feeling unique in a society that has become totally navel-gazing and self-centered. This excessive stigmatization allows for the justification of emotional fragility. So we resign ourselves like a condemned to death. This explains that.
This doesn't mean that parents don't have an important role in caring for their children. But this applies to everyone. By being close, in daily observation, the child may be ahead for his age. Jumping ahead should be encouraged, of course. But being tested and having a verdict can contribute to the fragility of a child who is looking for himself. For an adult, being diagnosed as "HPI" can contribute to understanding the how of the why, without providing any miracle solution. Explanations are one thing, understanding and overcoming one's malaise is another. There is no miracle vaccine. Common sense must guide the approach and not a headlong rush. Expecting a test to confirm that you are "HPI" can be harmful if the result is negative. We thought we were more intelligent than we really are. Then it's a cold shower. The ego takes a blow. Depression can result.
It is therefore important to identify the personal motivations behind this quest for recognition. Otherwise, the effects can be counterproductive.
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