The Social Emotional Development of Academically Advanced Adolescents at the Secondary Level

This chapter reviews the social and emotional development of academically advanced adolescents. It is grounded in the Talent Development Mega-Model, which holds that psychosocial variables are key factors to developing talent. Researchers have identified that motivation and task commitment are generally important for developing talent across developmental stages. Specific to adolescence, self-regulation, teachability, openness to feedback, and practice are critical. Mindsets may also play a positive role in persistence and problem-solving in the face of academic challenges. Environments where academically advanced students can interact with like-minded peers can foster positive social development. Enrichment programs, achievement motivation interventions, service-learning projects, and mindfulness interventions may enhance psychosocial skills in advanced adolescents. It is important to consider equity issues when assessing and teaching these skills, and assuming a multicultural orientation framework may help educators approach differences in a humble, comfortable, and meaningful way. Finally, advances in artificial intelligence may impact how we intervene with adolescents who are advanced academically to enhance their psychosocial skills.