ABSTRACT

Extreme intelligence is strongly correlated with the highest of human achievement, but also, paradoxically, with higher relationship conflict, career difficulty, mental illness, and high-IQ crime. Increased intelligence does not necessarily increase success; it should be considered as a minority special need that requires nurturing.

This book explores the social development and predicaments of those who possess extreme intelligence, and the consequent personal and professional implications for them. It uniquely integrates insights and knowledge from the research fields of intelligence, giftedness, genius, and expertise with those from depth psychology, emphasising the importance of finding ways to talk effectively about extreme intelligence, and how it can better be supported and embraced. The author supports her arguments throughout, reviewing the academic literature alongside representations of genius in history, fiction, and the media, and draws on her own first-hand research interviews and consulting work with multinational high-IQ adults.

This book is essential reading for anyone supporting or working with the highly gifted, as well as those researching or interested by the field of intelligence.

chapter |10 pages

Introduction

How do we think and speak about extreme intelligence?

part I|2 pages

Development

chapter 1|18 pages

Measures and methods

13The identifying and quantifying of intelligence

chapter 2|20 pages

The roots of difference

How is it that some people stand out so much from others?

chapter 3|20 pages

Core biopsychosocial issues

Needing to be noticed, dreading rejection

part II|2 pages

Predicaments

chapter 4|22 pages

Recognition and reactions

72What happens when someone stands out so much?

chapter 5|20 pages

Naive Child, Arrogant Emperor

Are the intellectually adept, socially inept?

chapter 6|24 pages

Madness, misunderstanding, and misdiagnosis

Is extreme intelligence a benefit or a liability?

part III|2 pages

Implications

chapter 7|13 pages

Entrapment

141The unintentional perpetuation of interpersonal trouble

chapter 8|19 pages

Hiding self, reaching out

The “High-IQ Relational Styles” framework

chapter 9|22 pages

Helping high ability thrive

Channelling abilities whilst managing threat

chapter |5 pages

Conclusion

Implications for the world around us

chapter |9 pages

Appendix

Explaining the research process that underpins the book