Shruti Mohan, Suresh Sundaram and Keerthi Pai
Rajiv Gandhi National Institute of Youth Development, Sriperumbudur
Pages:, 91-101
The present study explored the lived experiences of gifted children, to better understand
the opportunities and difficulties associated with giftedness. A qualitative research design
was employed, and semi-structured interviews were conducted with gifted children.
The interviews focused on participants’ experiences related to academic functioning,
peer relationships, emotional well-being, family dynamics, and support systems. Data
were analysed using thematic analysis. The findings revealed several prominent themes.
Gifted children described experiences of intellectual curiosity, advanced learning needs,
and a strong desire for meaningful engagement. At the same time, many reported
feelings of being different from their peers, social isolation, difficulty finding like-minded
friends, and heightened emotional sensitivity. Participants also highlighted challenges
related to perfectionism, self-imposed expectations, and academic pressure. The study
underscored the complex and multidimensional nature of giftedness, demonstrating
that gifted children and their families navigated both strengths and challenges. The
findings highlighted the importance of providing comprehensive educational,
psychological, and familial support to promote the overall well-being and development
of gifted children