Gifted Delinquents

Summary

The concepts of giftedness and the problems inherent in identifying gifted children are briefly discussed. It is proposed that the development of appropriate ‘screening’ techniques might contribute to the early identification of gifted children ‘at risk’ and that attempts should be made to formulate a ‘profile’ of those gifted delinquents who may be significantly less responsive to therapy. Comparisons are made between gifted delinquents and their less gifted peers by using a control group and an index group matched for age and social grouping. The nature of the offences committed by the boys comprising both groups is examined, as are certain social/environmental factors. Variations in the treatment proposed by courts is noted and com‐mentedupon. The data available have been subjected to various statistical procedures, and a commentary offered on the findings.