Perceptions of gifted adolescents in Singapore towards the "gifted" label and its effects on their social relationships

• Main Author: Tan, Chee Soon.
• Other Authors: Teo, Chua Tee
• Format: Theses and Dissertations
• Language: English
• Published: 2008
• Subjects: DRNTU::Social sciences::Sociology::Family, marriage and women
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10356/14109
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

This study examines gifted students' perceptions and attitudes towards the "gifted" label and its effects on their social relationships. A questionnaire was administered to 97 gifted 14-year-old students in three secondary schools. Findings suggest that more male gifted students accept the label "gifted" compared to female gifted students. The culture of school where the gifted students are housed appears to be a factor in influencing the perceptions of the gifted adolescents. The students reported personal and academic advantages but pronounced social disadvantages of the "gifted" label. Some of the disadvantages include high expectations from parents and teachers and being discriminated by peers in the mainstream. Results of case studies parallel these findings.