Examining the shadow: Gifted children respond to the nuclear threat

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to develop an instrument to measure student's thoughts, feelings and behaviors concerning the nuclear threat. A total of 272 students enrolled in grades 5-11 of The Cullowhee Experience, a summer program for academically gifted students, participated. Factor analyses yielded 16 specific factors on the three subscales. Internal consistency of the instrument was above,.90 for each subscale. Significant sex differences in factor scores were found, all of which follow traditional sex role patterns. Three significant grade level differences were found indicating that younger students showed lower levels of optimism/action and cognitive involvement and higher level of concern than did older students. Thirteen “neutral” items were analyzed and findings are discussed.