Family influences on the development of giftedness

The relationship between early family environment and later creative achievement is rather ambiguous. On the one hand, a context of optimal support and stimulation seems necessary. On the other hand, the lives of some of the greatest creative geniuses contradict this notion, being full of early trauma and tragedy. On the basis of longitudinal studies of young artists and talented adolescents, as well as a retrospective study of mature creative individuals, we explore the outcomes of various family environments. It seems that the two extremes of optimal and pathological experience are both represented disproportionately in the backgrounds of creative individuals. However, creative persons whose childhood was more traumatic appear less satisfied with themselves and their work. So, although a difficult childhood might be more conducive to creative achievement, it does not seem to lead to a serene adulthood. Our study of talented teenagers showed that students who came from a 'complex' family environment that provided them with both support and stimulation were more likely to take on new challenges in their area of talent and to enjoy working on and developing their skills. Such students reported feeling happy more often than those from other family types, and were significantly happier when spending time alone or in productive work.