Gifted adolescents:<i>Psychological behaviors, values, and developmental implications</i>

Abstract

The purpose of this investigation was to assess the level of moral reasoning, ego identity formation, and gender role socialization among gifted adolescents by ethnicity and gender. A total of 167 gifted and talented high school seniors participated in this investigation. The students completed the Defining Issues Test (Rest, 1988), Rasmussen Ego Identity Scale (Rasmussen, 1961, 1964), and the Bem Sex Role Inventory (Bem, 1981). Scores on the Defining Issues Test among the different ethnic groups were more variable than scores on the other two measures. The students scored at the adult level of identity development on the Ego Identity Scale. Scores on the Bem Sex Role Inventory indicated that the students endorsed either androgynous or masculine sex role characteristics. No significant gender differences were found on any of the measures. Implication of these findings are discussed in terms of the role that counselors and educators should play in addressing the psychosocial developmental needs of gifted and talented students of color and girls.