The Psychological World of Highly Gifted Young Adults: a Follow-up Study

Abstract In this exploratory qualitative case study, in-depth interviews were held with seven highly gifted young adults (27–28 years). Thematic analyses of the revealed salient constellations meaning: an “internal motor”—a metaphor for internal strength, a strong drive to grow, learn and develop, driven by their curiosity, lack goodness fit (for school years up, until college years), feeling “not okay be me”, existential loneliness, stress due multi-potentiality, perfectionism, spiritual needs (e.g., freedom choose own path). Based on answers participants, greater attention support seem needed holistic development (highly) students throughout careers. The findings suggest that should paid stimulating cognitive as well social, emotional, development.