The Psychology of Gifted Adolescents as Measured by the MMPI-A

Abstract

The focus of this study is an examination of gifted students' responses on the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory—Adolescent (MMPI-A) in relation to the adolescent norming sample. The comparisons on clinical, content, and Harris—Lingoes scales provide evidence that gifted adolescent boys' and girls' responses do not differ from one another significantly. Furthermore, the data reveal that the assumption held by many that gifted adolescents are more prone to experience heightened rates of neuroticism or personality difficulties is unsupported by the empirical data. Analyses of MMPI-A scores reveal that gifted students' scores are equivalent to or lower than the general population in all areas. The results are discussed as continued empirical evidence that gifted adolescents do not demonstrate abnormal levels of psychological or personality deviance because of their elevated cognitive abilities. Putting the Research to Work: Educators often subscribe to the notion that gifted adolescents are prone to more neurotic behavior or are more often diagnosed with personality disorders than their age mates. The results of this research indicate that notion is false, particularly for adolescents in a residential academy. Educators should be cognizant of the characteristics and needs of gifted adolescents and use that knowledge in planning services and identification plans for these students.