The psychological world of gifted young people reveals a complex and profound universe that needs to be understood from a holistic perspective. They not only face cognitive challenges but also social and emotional adjustment issues that require specialized intervention to promote their full development. These individuals often have an inner drive that fuels their curiosity and constant desire to learn. This “internal engine” is what leads them to continuously seek challenges and engage in activities that allow them to grow intellectually. However, this motivation can become a source of tension when it is not accompanied by a supportive environment during their early formative years.
These individuals often experience a constant lack of “good adaptation” or a mismatch between their abilities and the academic and social environment during their school years. They feel misunderstood and frequently experience a sense of existential loneliness because their interests and abilities are not always shared or appreciated by their peers. What could be an enriching and motivating aspect for them—their multipotentiality—also becomes a source of stress due to having many options available and feeling the pressure to choose the right path. This is further exacerbated by perfectionism, a trait these young people see both as a strength that drives them to do things well and as a weakness that generates anxiety about not meeting their own expectations.
Despite these challenges, gifted adults can show a clear process of personal growth as they find more favorable environments, such as university, where they can access more enriching and challenging social relationships. The feeling of not belonging diminishes, and their sense of “being okay with being themselves” increases, which is fundamental for the development of a healthy identity and robust self-esteem. Additionally, there is a strong need for spiritual freedom. These young people deeply value autonomy in decision-making and in the search for meaning in their lives that goes beyond academic or professional goals. They seek the freedom to define their own values and to pursue their personal and spiritual goals.
In conclusion, the full development of gifted young adults requires attention that goes beyond the cognitive and encompasses social, emotional, and spiritual growth. The key to effectively supporting them lies in providing environments that challenge them cognitively while also offering emotional support and spaces where they can express their personal concerns and needs. Psychologists working with this population should focus on fostering the connection between these individuals and their environment, promoting a sense of belonging and authenticity, and helping them navigate the challenges of multipotentiality and perfectionism while respecting and cultivating their need for freedom and personal growth.
