Parent Use of the Term “Gifted”: Correlates with Family Environment and Child Adjustment

This study examines use of the term “gifted” among parents of children who are enrolled in a program for gifted children. While all of the parents acknowledge thinking of their children as gifted, over one-quarter report not using the term “gifted” in referring to their children. Use of the term is not related to the child's number of years in a gifted program, IQ, or achievement level. Families of parents who use the term are more achievement oriented, but provide less freedom for expression of individual feelings. Children of parents who use the term are less well-adjusted on the Personality Inventory for Children. Implications for research on the effects of labeling on the family are discussed.