Giftedness and The Power of Intensity
The higher the level of giftedness, the greater the risk for misdiagnosis of what may be considered abnormal behavior or psychosocial disorders.
Gifted individuals often react more intensely to stimuli than others, experiencing emotions and sensations in a heightened manner.
Gifted individuals often get labeled as “too sensitive,” “too argumentative,” or “too perfectionistic.” Hearing these labels repeatedly can lead them to internalize negative self-perceptions. Many end up trying to tone down their intensity, mistakenly believing something is wrong with them.
Impact on Health
Living with intensity can also lead to physical illness or emotional distress, especially when their reactions are not understood or validated by others.
Gifted individuals often experience heightened intensity in their emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. This intensity can lead to physical illness in several ways:
Chronic Stress
Constantly feeling misunderstood or pressured to conform can cause chronic stress. Prolonged stress can weaken the immune system, leading to frequent illnesses, migraines, and digestive issues.
Emotional Suppression
Trying to suppress their natural intensity to fit in or avoid negative labels can result in emotional suppression. This can lead to anxiety, depression, and physical symptoms like headaches, muscle tension, and gastrointestinal problems.
Sleep Disturbances
Intense mental activity and emotional sensitivity can disrupt sleep patterns, leading to insomnia or poor-quality sleep. Lack of proper rest can impair cognitive function, weaken the immune system, and increase the risk of chronic illnesses.
Burnout
Constantly striving for perfection or engaging in intense activities without adequate rest can lead to burnout. Burnout can result in physical exhaustion, weakened immunity, and an increased likelihood of illnesses like the common cold or flu.
Isolation
Feeling different or misunderstood can lead to social isolation. Loneliness and lack of social support are significant risk factors for physical health problems, and decreased life expectancy.
Overall, the unique challenges faced by gifted individuals living with intensity can significantly impact their physical health. It is essential for gifted people to find healthy coping mechanisms and supportive environments.
Overexcitabilities
In his Theory of Positive Integration, Kazimierz Dąbrowski includes the concept of over-excitability (OE). Over-excitabilities describe heightened sensitivity and intensity across various domains, including psychomotor, sensual, imaginational, intellectual, and emotional.
Gifted individuals may struggle with restlessness, sensory sensitivities, intense imagination, insatiable curiosity, and deeply felt emotions.
The Theory of Positive Disintegration posits that inner conflicts and tensions play a crucial role in personal growth and the formation of a unique personality.
Overexcitabilities (OEs) are heightened sensitivities and intensities often found in gifted individuals, affecting various aspects of their experiences.
Let’s delve into the five different types of overexcitabilities and explore both positive and negative aspects associated with each:
Psychomotor Overexcitability
Positive
Gifted individuals with psychomotor OE often possess boundless energy, thriving in physical activities like sports or outdoor adventures.
Example: A gifted child might excel in multiple sports teams, channeling their energy into physical health and a zest for life.
Negative
However, this same energy can translate into restlessness and difficulty staying focused in environments that require stillness, such as classrooms or workspaces.
Example: A student who can’t sit still during a long lecture, constantly fidgeting and struggling to concentrate.
Sensual Overexcitability
Positive
Those with sensual OE may have a heightened appreciation for sensory experiences, finding joy in vibrant colors, intricate textures, or flavorful foods. This sensitivity can enrich their daily lives and foster creativity.
Example: A person might deeply enjoy exploring new cuisines or immersing themselves in the beauty of nature.
Negative
On the flip side, sensory sensitivities may cause discomfort or distraction in environments with bright lights, loud noises, or strong odors, leading to feelings of overwhelm or frustration.
Example: A gifted adult struggling to focus in a noisy, brightly lit office.
Imaginational Overexcitability
Positive
Gifted individuals with imaginational OE often possess vivid imaginations, fueling creativity and innovation. They may excel in storytelling, artistic pursuits, or problem-solving through imaginative thinking.
Example: A novelist with the ability to create intricate plots, complex characters, and immersive worlds.
Negative
However, an overactive imagination can lead to excessive worrying or vivid nightmares, causing anxiety, affecting mental health and relationships.
Example: Getting lost in elaborate fantasies during important work meetings, leading to missed deadlines and a reputation for being unfocused.
Intellectual Overexcitability
Positive
Intellectual OE drives a relentless pursuit of knowledge and understanding, leading to deep insights and innovative problem-solving. Gifted individuals with this trait may excel academically and contribute to advancements in various fields.
Example: A scientist might make groundbreaking discoveries due to their intense focus and curiosity.
Negative
Hyperfocus on specific interests may result in challenges with time management and transitioning between tasks, leading to procrastination or difficulty completing assignments.
Example: Neglecting tasks because you are absorbed in one subject.
Emotional Overexcitability
Positive
Deep empathy and emotional intensity allow individuals with emotional OE to form strong connections with others and appreciate the richness of human emotions. They may possess a profound understanding of complex emotional experiences.
Example: A friend who offers exceptional support during difficult times.
Negative
However, intense emotions can be overwhelming, leading to emotional exhaustion, difficulty regulating feelings, and strained interpersonal relationships.
Example: Feeling drained, overwhelmed, dysregulated, or exhausted.
Opportunities for Self-Discovery and Transformation
Understanding the unique experiences and sensitivities of gifted individuals is essential for creating supportive environments where they can thrive and fulfill their potential.
By recognizing the inherent tensions and conflicts as opportunities for self-discovery and transformation, gifted individuals can harness their unique sensitivities to achieve greater levels of fulfillment and authenticity, and personal growth.
Understanding the nuances of overexcitabilities is essential for providing appropriate support and fostering personal growth in gifted individuals. By recognizing both the strengths and challenges associated with each type of overexcitability, we can learn to harness our unique abilities while effectively managing any obstacles we may encounter.
Navigating the complexities of giftedness requires self-awareness, self-acceptance, and discernment, as well as support from understanding individuals and communities.
By acknowledging their complexities and providing validation, acceptance, and encouragement, we can help gifted individuals embrace their strengths and navigate the journey of self-discovery and personal growth with confidence and resilience.
Notes on the Author
Ilse Gevaert is a psychologist and coach with expertise in neurodiversity (ASD and ADHD), giftedness, trauma, narcissistic abuse, and resilience. Ilse continued her education at prestigious institutions such as Harvard and Cornell, where she obtained leadership certificates that have informed her practice.
Read More
Giftedness and Anxiety: Struggles of Exceptional Minds
Unraveling the Complexity of Giftedness: Beyond IQ-Scores and Academic Achievement
10 Effective Time Management Strategies for Individuals with ADHD
Building an Inclusive Workplace: Strategies for Supporting Neurodivergent Employees
References
Dabrowski, K. (1964). Positive disintegration. Boston: Little, Brown.
Dąbrowski, Kazimierz (1996). Multilevelness of emotional and instinctive functions. Part 1: Theory and description of levels of behavior. Towarzystwo Naukowe Katolickiego Uniwersytetu Lubelskiego.
Gatto-Walden, Patricia (2017). Embracing the Whole Gifted Self. Royal Fireworks Publishing Co, Inc. Unionville, New York.
Piechowski, M. M. (1999). Overexcitabilities. In M. Runco & S. Pritzker (Eds.), Encyclopedia of creativity (Vol. 2, pp. 325-334). San Diego, CA: Academic Press.
Silverman, L. K. (2013). Giftedness 101. New York: Springer. https://doi.org/10.1891/9780826107985
