Low self-esteem
Self-esteem is the feelings that one possesses about their own selves. Barbara Clark refers to this as " complex and dynamic system of beliefs that individuals hold to be true about themselves" (Clark, 2013, p. 107). These beliefs can shape how a person acts and can influence their relationships with others. According to the article, Is It Good to Be Gifted? The Social Construction of the Gifted Child, O’Connor believes “there is growing evidence that children labeled as academically gifted are subjected to negative attitudes from others and that this impacts on their self-esteem and motivation to succeed” (O’Connor, 2012, p. 293). Gifted children can sometimes have high self-concept. This can be attributed to their stellar accomplishments (Shechtman & Silektor, 2012). However, some children suffer with low self-esteem as the result of extreme expectations that are placed on them by themselves or others. This can lead to feelings of failure (Shechtman & Silektor, 2012).
Low self-esteem in highly gifted students can result in feelings of anxiety and pressure for the student. They can often feel as if there are extreme expectations placed on them that they must meet (Clark, 2013). Parents and teachers must be careful how they acknowledge the successes of gifted students in an appropriate manner. Students must feel that any praise given them is genuine. Heaping large amounts of praise on students can add to the pressure they already feel and may increase their fear of failing or letting others down. According to Clark (2013), "extreme praise by parents may cause gifted children to believe that they expect much more of them than the parents really do" (p. 109) Educators must be careful not to bring excessive attention to gifted students in class as it may put unnecessary pressure on the child to always be successful (Clark, 2013). It is important that these students understand and set realistic goals for themselves so as to offset the pressure and anxiety. Students must be challenged at a healthy level in order to avoid the pitfalls of over-achievement or underachievement.
Low self-esteem in highly gifted students can result in feelings of anxiety and pressure for the student. They can often feel as if there are extreme expectations placed on them that they must meet (Clark, 2013). Parents and teachers must be careful how they acknowledge the successes of gifted students in an appropriate manner. Students must feel that any praise given them is genuine. Heaping large amounts of praise on students can add to the pressure they already feel and may increase their fear of failing or letting others down. According to Clark (2013), "extreme praise by parents may cause gifted children to believe that they expect much more of them than the parents really do" (p. 109) Educators must be careful not to bring excessive attention to gifted students in class as it may put unnecessary pressure on the child to always be successful (Clark, 2013). It is important that these students understand and set realistic goals for themselves so as to offset the pressure and anxiety. Students must be challenged at a healthy level in order to avoid the pitfalls of over-achievement or underachievement.