Understanding How Parents Perceive Social and Emotional Characteristics of High-Ability Early Elementary School Children

• In Event: Sheraton Roundtable Session Four
  In Roundtable Session: Research on Giftedness, Creativity, and Talent SIG Roundtable: Development (Table 10)

Abstract

Perspectives of parents of high-ability early elementary school children were the focus of this qualitative research study. We conducted a thematic analysis of parent responses to open-ended survey questions about their high-ability children, revealing the following themes: (1) interactions with peers and adults, (2) academic or intellectual interests, and (3) emotional response to patterns of maladaptive behavior. These themes can inform parents, teachers, and counselors to identify appropriate interventions and programming options that match their children’s affective needs. Implications of the findings are presented along with suggestions for further research on parent perspectives.

Keywords: gifted, social and emotional characteristics, parent perspectives

Authors

• Benna Haas, University of North Carolina - Charlotte
  Presenting Author

• Laura S. McCorkle, University of North Carolina - Charlotte
  Presenting Author

• Jocelyn W Lev, University of North Carolina - Charlotte
  Presenting Author

• Michael S. Matthews, University of North Carolina - Charlotte
  Presenting Author

• Thomas W. Connors, University of North Carolina - Charlotte
  Presenting Author

• Julianna Willis
  Presenting Author

• Erin R. FitzPatrick, University of North Carolina - Charlotte
  Presenting Author