The Myth of the Antisocial Genius: A Survey Study of the Socio-Emotional Aspects of High-IQ Individuals

Abstract

The research on the social and socio-emotional aspects of intellectual giftedness is relatively scarce and somewhat confl icting in results. The current study therefore addressed some of these issues exploring personality traits, societal involvement, crime rates, empathy and personal relationships comparing these over different levels of intelligence (IQ). In all, 287 Mensa members (216 men, 71 women), constituting one research population, volunteered to participate (100 scoring at the 98th percentile, 167 at the 99th percentile and 20 at 100th percentile) in a survey-designed study operationalized as an Internet-based questionnaire using the SPSS Dimensions software. Data were mainly dealt with as average requencies in the absence of normally distributed norms for comparison. Results defl ate myths peculiar to the extremely gifted as being psychiatrically morbid. Participants were highly empathic, responsible citizens who tended to possess a fl air for societal involvement and a strong interest in societal development. They also share most of the personality characteristics generally ascribed to a gifted population. However, some concerns are raised about the wellbeing of the extremely gifted, e.g., the potential negative affect of frequent social exclusion at all levels of society, which, overtime, is bound to impact anyone - gifted or not.

Keywords:

• High-IQ individuals
• socio-emotional development
• social fit
• empathy
• forming relationships

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Roland S. Persson

Roland S Persson, PhD, associate professor in psychology, has a wide scope of research interests, but most lead to the various aspects of giftedness. Especially the individual’s experience of being gifted has especially attracted his attention in recent time. Persson has authored a large number of books and scientific articles over the years in music psychology, gender issues, research issues and the social aspects of giftedness and talent, serves on several review boards and is former Editor-in-chief of High Ability studies.