Emotion regulation and behavioral problems in gifted and talented children

Abstract

Background: Gifted and talented childrens and their parents often report about emotional and behavioral problems. The objective of the study was to analyze emotion regulation strategies and behavioral problems in this group and to draw conclusions for health promotion strategies and resilience training. Methods: Used for assessment were FEEL-KJ, CBCL and the intelligence test (WISC-IV). Participants were 30 children (m=10, f=20) in the age from 11 – 16. Means and correlations were computed. Results: The emotional dysregulation strategies and behavioral problems are not correlating with higher or lower intelligence. There are more maladaptive emotion regulation strategies in male children. Current stage of work: Data analysis of extended sample of the study. Discussion: More research is necessary for health and emotional problems of gifted and talented children. There is a need to special counseling approaches for gifted and talented children and for their parents. Special training of emotional competence could be developed and offered for affected children.