What Are the Benefits of Giftedness?

Giftedness comes with challenges, but many gifted people would say it’s worth it. Psychologists have found that most gifted people are successful in life because of their intellectual superiority over others. 

The social difficulties and isolation gifted children face can seem overwhelming at times. Nevertheless, they play a role in shaping the unique gifts that these children bring to the world later on in life.

So what are the benefits of giftedness? Here are just a few of them!

The Cognitive Advantages

It describes children who have a high level of ability in one or more domains. This could be in a language, math, spatial awareness, art, or music. 

So, for example, an English teacher may refer to a student as gifted because she has a unique writing style. But, another instructor might not call her gifted because she’s struggling with math.

The point is that being gifted isn’t about how well you do on any given day but instead how well you do compared to your peers. 

And when it comes to cognitive abilities, gifted kids tend to score higher than their non-gifted counterparts on standardized tests like IQ tests and achievement tests (for example, SATs). 

They also exhibit advanced reasoning, problem-solving, and divergent thinking skills. Some studies suggest that gifted students can think up to three times faster than others. 

The Physical Advantages

Studies show that gifted students tend to be more physically fit than their peers. For example, a study conducted by researchers showed that students who scored in the top 1% on mathematical reasoning tests were healthier and more physically fit than other high-IQ students. 

These results are uncertain, but they could be attributed to gifted children being involved in fewer risky activities (e.g., drinking or smoking) and participating in physical activity instead. 

Another study published in Psyfound that those with a higher IQ tended to live longer, suggesting a correlation between IQ and longevity.

Some research speculates it may have something to do with genetics or some aspect of their intellectual engagement that extends into later life. 

The Emotional Advantages

Being gifted can come with emotional perks. You may feel proud to be part of a community with so much potential and talent. Sometimes it helps build your self-esteem when you see yourself as part of something bigger than yourself. 

If you want to talk about what happens when someone is smart, then look no further than Albert Einstein. Einstein is one of history’s most influential scientists was also one of its brightest minds. 

It’s hard to argue that intelligence is an attractive quality in any person. Also, many people report feeling intellectually stimulated and engaged by their advanced intellect. 

Whether they’re looking for intellectual stimulation or just like having a big brain, these people enjoy how their minds work and are happy they were born gifted.

Their confidence comes from knowing they have abilities others don’t. And. using those abilities to do great things in life makes them happy later on in life.

Depth of Perception

Highly-gifted children have a way of seeing the world that most people don’t. They are also aware of many more things than average children are, so much earlier in life.

They see past what’s happening now and patterns and are capable of abstract thinking and problem-solving.

Consequently, these kids are skilled at detecting authenticity and can tell how others feel. In addition, they often display an innate sense of humor and a genuine concern for fairness.

This sense of fairness begins to show itself when you’re in the car and there’s a story about poverty. The child understands what they’re saying about the poor and the lack of food, and they’re upset by it. So it doesn’t just brush off their shoulders.  

Higher Level of Sensitivity

Most gifted children start to feel emotions like pity and self-loathing early on. They tend to care deeply about their surroundings while taking more thought than most people. 

These traits usually include empathy and a deep understanding of how others communicate through nonverbal signals.It could be tone of voice, talking speed, and body language.

With this type of list, not all children will show these characteristics all the time, but having some of them may indicate a gifted child.

You’re always discussing more than what the average person goes through for gifted children. It’s not that gifted children have qualities other people don’t have. It’s just that they’re deep, have rich qualities, or might have longer-lasting qualities.

Sophisticated Language and Thought Process

While they may or may not speak early, Gifted children do often talk more formally and philosophically. Because of this, they want to spend time with older children and adults to discuss such high-level topics.

Those considered gifted also exhibit more advanced intellectual abilities than those without them. This means that gifted individuals can get through material faster and with greater understanding. It also makes them better at thinking critically and solving problems. 

Having a higher IQ may seem like a burden, but it’s a gift in many cases. Gifted people often have a heightened awareness of their surroundings and others.

In addition to being able to think quickly on their feet, they’re usually pretty good at reading other people too. Some might even say they have an empathy quotient above average!

Conclusion: Are These Benefits Worth it? 

Giftedness can either be a blessing or a nightmare. People who are gifted encounter unique challenges that others do not experience on a regular basis.

These stresses may make you feel as though pressures are taking over your life from outside sources. 

But even if you can relate to some of these struggles, don’t worry—there are still many benefits to being gifted.

Nevertheless, to make the journey smooth for your kid it’s helpful to implore the help of a psychologist.

Author: Charles R. Davenport, Psy. D.

Dr. Charles R. Davenport is a Licensed Psychologist who provides counseling and therapy to individuals of all ages dealing with career stress, depression, anxiety, communication, and relationship problems. His therapeutic approach integrates psychodynamic and interpersonal theories to help patients find change and relief.