Seção Generalista Social skills of gifted and talented children

Th ere is a clear lack of empirical studies about the socio-emotional characteristics of gifted and talented children, especially in the context of social skills. Th is study aimed to characterize the social skills of such children, identifying similarities and diff erences in the skill repertoire in comparison with non-gifted children. Th e sample contained 394 children from 8 to 12 years old, of which 269 children were identifi ed as gifted. All participants answered the Social Skills Rating System and Socio-demographic Questionnaire. Th e results indicate a more elaborate social skills repertoire for gifted children in all categories with the exception of empathic skills. Th e implications of these results for the planning of educational programs are discussed and future research directions are identifi ed.