Terman Study of the Gifts and Talented

The Terman Study of the Gifted, initiated by psychologist Lewis Terman in the early 20th century, focused on identified gifted children, tracking their development into adulthood. Terman aimed to understand their intelligence, personality traits, and life outcomes. He found that gifted individuals often excelled academically and professionally, but faced unique challenges, including social isolation. The study helped shape perceptions of giftedness and contributed to educational practices. Terman's research underscored the importance of nurturing gifted individuals while recognizing their diverse needs, which has influenced both educational policies and gifted education programs since its inception.