SENGinar: Social Constructions of Giftedness Influence the Inner Experience of Gifted Individuals

The SENGinar is inspired by the findings of a doctoral research, personal and professional experiences that explored

how the mental wellbeing of individuals relate to social constructions of giftedness. Many gifted individuals are

stimulated by what is happening around them, and they process and perceive things differently from the others in their

peer group, workplace, or classroom. Such abilities, and consequent behaviors, can disturb normal routines, which can

result in giftedness being easily misunderstood and the abilities of gifted people misinterpreted. How a gifted individual is treated can have an impact on their inner experience of giftedness which, in turn, may affect their mental wellbeing. Counsellors and other helping professionals have to consider the meanings behind the emotions or reactions to such a diagnosis, as this will better ensure that gifted individuals will receive the appropriate intervention and/or therapeutic procedure to meet their needs. This SENGiar also aims to raise awareness of the need to support the mental wellbeing of gifted individuals, as awareness and understanding are key to being able to establish a safe space for responding to the complex, intense and sensitive minds of gifted individuals.

About the Presenter:

Dr Melanie (Mel) Wong is a senior lecturer in social work at the Manukau Institute of Technology in Auckland, New Zealand. Mel is also a counsellor at Indigo Psychology and Counselling Center, particularly interested in working with people living with intensity, sensitivity, overexcitabilities, and challenges of gifted and have gifted family members. Mel completed her PhD at the University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand with a thesis that focused on using social constructionism as a lens to explore giftedness. She has an extensive interest in giftedness and research on giftedness through a holistic approach.