When we talk about giftedness we usually think about intelligence or high grades, but giftedness is more than just a high IQ. Many gifted people experience the world with greater intensity. Psychologists call these strong responses overexcitabilities. They are not illnesses or problems, but natural ways in which gifted people feel and react to life more deeply than others.
Overexcitabilities can appear in different forms. Some gifted people feel strong physical energy, always moving, talking fast or needing action. Others experience rich imagination, creating stories, images and dreams that feel very real. Emotional intensity is also common, where feelings of joy, sadness or empathy are felt in a very powerful way. Intellectual overexcitability means a deep need to question, to analyze, to understand everything in detail. Finally, some gifted people have strong sensitivity to beauty, music, art or nature, often moved by harmony or injustice in a very personal way.
These intensities are part of what makes gifted people unique. They help explain why many children and adults with high ability may seem restless, very emotional, perfectionist or even misunderstood. For parents and teachers, it is important to see that this intensity is not “too much” or “wrong”. It is the way gifted individuals connect with the world, and it can be a source of creativity, empathy and resilience.
At the same time, these strong reactions can create challenges. A child with emotional overexcitability may cry easily or feel overwhelmed by conflict at school. A teenager with intellectual intensity may question authority and feel bored in class if lessons move too slowly. Without support, these young people may hide their talents or feel isolated. But with the right understanding, their intensity can become strength.
Research shows that giftedness is not only about thinking faster but also about personality and context. Motivation, perseverance, curiosity and sensitivity are as important as intelligence. Culture, family and teachers all play a role in how giftedness develops. A gifted child who feels accepted and challenged will grow in confidence, while one who feels ignored may lose interest or struggle with self-esteem.
Overexcitabilities remind us that giftedness is complex. It is not only about test scores but about how a person feels, imagines, learns and relates to others. Intensity can be difficult, but it is also what gives gifted people their passion, their creativity and their ability to make unique contributions to society. Understanding this can help families, educators and communities support gifted individuals in developing their full potential while also protecting their well-being.
