Scores on self-actualization for gifted junior high school students

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Educational Psychology

Background:

• Self-actualization is a key developmental construct.
• Gifted students may exhibit unique self-actualization trajectories.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess self-actualization in gifted middle school students.
• To compare self-actualization scores across Grade 7 and Grade 8.
• To examine gender differences in self-actualization.

Main Methods:

• Utilized three self-actualization measures: Reflections of Self by Youth (ROSY), Maslowian Scale, and Personal Orientation Inventory.
• Assessed 47 gifted students in Grades 7 and 8.
• Analyzed for gender and grade-level differences.

Main Results:

• No significant gender differences in self-actualization were found.
• Grade 7 students scored higher on ROSY.
• Grade 8 students scored higher on the Maslowian Scale Psychological subscale and Total score.

Conclusions:

• Self-actualization measures may yield different results based on grade level in gifted students.
• Further research is needed to understand developmental trends in gifted adolescent self-actualization.