Elevated Stress Among Gifted Adolescents Compared to High School Peers

• In Event: Stress and Anxiety of Gifted Students

Abstract

Stress among adolescents has been increasing, and the research on stress among gifted students is sparse and inconsistent. This study compared perceived stress between gifted high school students (n=106) and general education peers at the same school (n=289). Gifted students demonstrated elevated levels of stress compared to peers (η2 = .06; d=.58). There was a positive relationship between stress and academic achievement and being identified and participation in gifted education was a mediator in that relationship. High cognitive ability may serve as a protective factor or support better problem solving when coping with stress in general as well as academic stress. Race and gender also accounted for variance in overall perceived stress.

Authors

• Rebecca Tipton, Burrell Behavioral Health

• Todd Kettler, Baylor University

• Eric L. Robinson, Baylor University