An integrated approach to the psychology of underachievement, unifying theory and practice. Examines different types of underachievers, explores the relationship between personality and underachievement, and provides useful guidelines for clinical practice. Provides an outline and summary of the voluminous (and often contradictory) literature, then presents theoretical models of the underachiever that are grounded in mainstream diagnostic and therapeutic theory. Offers examples of each personality type, so practitioners can easily recognize and treat them.

Why are some gifted children willing to tackle new challenges whereas others seem insecure or uninterested? Why do some gifted students achieve while others become caught in a cycle of underachievement? Are there strategies teachers and parents can implement that promote an achievement-oriented attitude? The Underachieving Gifted Child: Recognizing, Understanding, and Reversing Underachievement answers these important questions. Although there are many factors that contribute to achievement, achievement-oriented students exhibit four key traits: they believe that they have the skills to perform well, they expect that they can succeed, they believe what they are doing is meaningful, and they set realistic expectations and implement strategies to successfully complete their goals. This book offers specific strategies to help increase student achievement by improving students' attitudes in these four important areas.

This work provides detailed techniques for recognizing, understanding and effectively helping under-achieving children of any age in school and at home. This book states that all under-achievers are not alike, identifying the six under-achiever styles: coasting; overanxious; identity-searching; wheeler-dealing; sad and defiant. It also offers programs tailored to each type of under-achiever including a detailed list and analysis of characteristics, a parent checklist, realistic dialogues, ways to help, and a profile of that type of under-achiever as an adult. There is a chapter on related problems, including learning disabilities and giftedness and where to get professional help.

Do you suffer from any of the following? Procrastination Wide swings of mood and self-esteem Ambivalence in making decisions Dreaming big, but never following through If you or someone you love isn't living up to his or her potential -- and suffers from even one or two of the above feelings -- here is a program that can help. Your Own Worst Enemy is the first book devoted to the problem of adult underachievement, a problem stemming from common behavior patterns that can manifest itself in almost every walk of life -- from twentysomethings stuck in dead-end jobs to outwardly successful businesspeople who can't help feeling they've missed their true calling. In Your Own Worst Enemy, Dr. Kenneth Christian details the telltale signs of what he calls self-limiting behavior -- everyday habits that can seem harless (like taking unchallenging jobs) or even worthwhile (like setting absurdly high standards), but that over time can send high-potential people into a tailspin of dead ends and frustration. He identifies underachieving types, from charmers, who substitute congeniality for effort, to extreme risk-takers, who casually gamble their future away, to best-or-nothings, who refuse to play if they can't win. And he offers practical 15-step guide to help underachievers shake off their old habits and start taking an active hand in their own future. Filled with persuasive case studies and useful advice on everything from overhauling workspace to remaking self-image, Your Own Worst Enemy will help underachievers everywhere visualize their goals, break through their barriers, and start realizing their unlimited potential.

This is the first ever handbook on giftedness and talent development for the Asia-Pacific region. It discusses important issues for an important group of students, addresses a gap in the current understanding of gifted students in the region, traverses substantial intellectual terrain, and draws on past and present research literature. The handbook brings together contributions from 18 countries, providing a diverse, unique and comprehensive contemporary research and practice on giftedness and talent development in the Asia-Pacific region. It highlights contemporary issues and incorporates important topics such as conceptions, identification, curriculum, and programs. Chapters in the book will include a stronger focus on pedagogy that could assist researchers, academics and educators, post-graduate students, families, advocates, teachers and practitioners, and other stakeholders to support gifted students. It also informs pre-service education programs in gifted education, in-service professional learning programs, and future research and practice in this region of the world.

In one comprehensive resource, this superb handbook covers everything you need to know about the subject. It brings together leading experts from the fields of psychology and education, combining theory and applied empirical research on such crucial topics as conceptualization, types of intelligence, developmental considerations, and ethical and legal concerns. Particular attention is given to social and family contexts, and evidence-based strategies and interventions offer solid guidelines on assessment, curriculum design, and encouraging and nurturing talent – from preschool through adolescence.

Updated and revised - Spevak reveals his dynamic method that has helped motivate 2000 failing students to perform at or near their full potential.