Exploring Parent Perceptions of Gifted Formal Support Groups

• In Event: AERA Graduate Student Research in Progress Roundtable Session Two
  In Roundtable Session: Explorations of Giftedness, Creativity, and Equity Mindsets (Table 7)

Abstract

There is an abundance of data demonstrating positive outcomes associated with Formal Support Groups (FSGs) across medical and psychological domains; including benefits to health, well-being, family dynamics, economics, and the ability of participants to find and advocate for appropriate services. Over the past two decades, thousands of parents seeking to meet the needs of their gifted and twice exceptional children (within and outside of school gifted services) have taken part in FSGs. However, no published data about gifted parent FSGs functionality or efficacy exists in current peer-reviewed literature. The purpose of this study is to generate a substantive theory modeling the characteristics, motivations, and mechanisms of Gifted Parent Formal Support Groups (FSGs) using a Constructivist Grounded Theory (CGT) framework and an Evolving Complexity Theory (ECT) lens.

Author

• Nicole N Mattingly, University of North Texas
  Presenting Author