Sal Mendaglio on giftedness as a double-edged sword 'Agents of society, such as parents and teachers, typically expect compliance from their children and students… Academic achievement may be negatively affected because it rests on conformity not questioning or challenging authority' Content by Robert J. Ballantyne Posted on July 13, 2020 In essence, gifted individuals, because of their giftedness, not through choice, critically evaluate virtually everything and everyone they encounter. Analytical attitude, like giftedness in general, is double-edged. It may have positive and negative outcomes. For example, this trait is very useful in problem-solving tasks. However, it also predisposes gifted individuals to conflict with society. Society demands compliance and conformity from individuals. Agents of society, such as parents and teachers, typically expect compliance from their children and students… Academic achievement may be negatively affected because it rests on conformity not questioning or challenging authority.Sal Mendaglio Reference Mendaglio, S. (2013). Gifted students’ transition to university. Gifted Education International, 29(1), 3–12. https://doi.org/10.1177/0261429412440646 Related topics Academic achievement Academic underachievement Giftedness Sal Mendaglio