Reflections on Giftedness and Dąbrowski's Theory, Part 1

In episode 64, Chris and Emma talked with Dr. Linda Silverman, a licensed clinical and counseling psychologist in Westminster, Colorado. Linda founded and directs the Institute for the Study of Advanced Development (ISAD) and its subsidiary, Gifted Development Center. This episode is Part 1 of a two-part series with Dr. Silverman. The first conversation explores Linda's discovery of Dabrowski's theory in 1979 and her role in establishing the Dabrowski Study Group with Dr. Frank Falk at the University of Denver.

Listeners will also gain insights into the complexities of giftedness, including the controversial issue of IQ testing. Linda reflects on how societal shifts have shaped gifted education and the changes she has observed during her career. She offers a candid critique of the limitations of the field, highlighting the challenges of adequately identifying and supporting the unique needs of highly gifted individuals. Her work has had a profound impact on individuals as well as our broader understanding of giftedness.

This discussion included many articles and resources, which we’ve shared below. Part 2 will be released soon!

Links from this episode

Gifted Development Center website

Advanced Development Journal

Institute for the Study of Advanced Development (ISAD)

We’ve tried to include the following links in the order they were mentioned.

Michael Piechowski’s chapter on Developmental Potential from New Voices in Counseling the Gifted. The other chapter mentioned was Giftedness as Multilevel Potential by Kay Ogburn-Colangelo. The book, edited by Nicholas Colangelo and Ronald T. Zaffrann, can still be found online. Click here to read Linda's review for Contemporary Psychology called “Gifts for The Gifted.”

The Theory of Positive Disintegration and its Implications for Giftedness by Silverman & Ellsworth, from the 1980 conference Linda discussed attending.

Interesting Quotes, Vol. 7 featured work by Marlene Rankel

Episodes with folks mentioned in this episode:

* Episode 5, Researching Overexcitability, with Frank Falk

* Episode 35, Dąbrowski’s Theory in Practice with Patty Gatto-Walden

* Episode 48, Piechowski’s Insights on Positive Disintegration with Michael M. Piechowski

Chris discussed meeting Linda at the 2015 SENG Conference. SENG stands for Supporting the Emotional Needs of the Gifted.

Making Friends and Building Community is the post that Chris mentioned.

Two papers by Linda were mentioned:

* The Two-Edged Sword of Compensation (Gifted Education International)

* My Love Affair with Dabrowski’s Theory (Roeper Review)

Nancy Miller’s MACS coding system and