Applying the Dabrowski Theory to Build an Understanding of the Intensities and Sensitivity of Gifted Individuals

Abstract

Gifted Individuals have a unique perception of their world and of themselves, and they can be intense and highly sensitive to moral issues with a keen sense of justice [1,2]. These moral issues affect them deeply and they often feel helpless in being able to make a difference. In Making Great Kids Greater: Easing the Burden of Being Gifted (2009) Sisk addressed the unique perception of gifted students and suggested ways that great kids can become greater. One way to provide a lens of understanding of the intense nature of gifted individuals is to apply the Theory of Positive Disintegration of Kazimierz Dabrowski [3]. Mendaglio [4] asserts that Dabrowski’s theory is a personality theory for the 2lst century and this article will explore its application to gifted students.