Psychology of Giftedness and the Theory of Positive Disintegration: A Conversation With Sal Mendaglio. Issue 4 (November 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Mendaglio, Sal; Kettler, Todd; Rinn, Anne N.
• Is Part Of: Journal of advanced academics. Volume 30:Issue 4(2019)
• Page Start: 500
• Page End: 507
• Publication Date: 2019-11
• Subjects: overexcitabilities -- theory of positive disintegration -- personality -- gifted; Academic achievement -- Periodicals; Gifted children -- Education (Secondary) -- United States -- Periodicals; Electronic journals; 371.95
• DOI: 10.1177/1932202X19869010
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1932-202X

Abstract

Dąbrowski's theory of positive disintegration has been associated with the psychology of giftedness for four decades, and Sal Mendaglio has significantly contributed to the thoughtful understanding of the theory throughout those 40 years. In this interview, Mendaglio discusses the relationship between the theory of positive disintegration and the psychology of giftedness. Mendaglio addresses potential misunderstanding of the theory as well as the concept of overexcitabilities. He clarifies that Dąbrowski's theory is not a theory of giftedness; however, the theory as well as Dąbrowski's concept of intelligence contributed to Mendaglio's understanding of the psychology of giftedness. Mendaglio cautions against the oversimplification of overexcitabilities and the tools with which the construct has been measured.