Joan D. Lewis

Self-Actualization in Junior High Students: A Pilot Study

The self-actualization scores of 63 junior high students were measured with the Reflections of Self By Youth (ROSY) and the Maslowian Scale. 14 students identified as gifted did not score significantly higher than their more intellectually average peers; however, gifted girls scored slightly higher on the ROSY and two Maslowian Scale subscales. Seventh-grade students scored significantly higher only on the Maslowian Scale-Psychological subscale. Ravens Standard Progressive Matrices identified 10 students among the average group who scored between the 90th and 99th percentiles suggesting some gifted students may have been unidentified.

A study of self-actualization and self-concept in intellectually gifted students

The self-actualization and self-concept of 368 intellectually gifted students in grades 4 through 12 from a rural school district in a southern state were investigated using the Reflections of Self by Youth (ROSY; Schatz & Buckmaster, 1981), the Maslowian Scale (Falk, Bard, Duffy, Grieco, & Markus, 1988), and the Piers-Harris Childrens Self-Concept Scale (Piers & Harris, 1969). School level and gender had significant effects on the ROSY. The mean for students at the high school level was higher than at either the elementary or junior high school level. The mean for girls was higher than for boys. A significant interaction between school level and gender was observed only on the Psychological subscale of the Maslowian Scale. The ROSY and Self-actualization subscale and Total score of the Maslowian Scale were significantly related to the Piers-Harris. The ROSY and the Maslowian Scale were found to share a significant relationship (r = .51).

Scores on Self-Actualization for Gifted Junior High School Students

Self-actualization scores of 47 gifted students in Grades 7 and 8 were assessed using the Reflections of Self by Youth (ROSY), the Maslowian Scale, and the Personal Orientation Inventory. No gender differences were observed. Students in Grade 7 scored significantly higher on the ROSY students in Grade 8 scored significantly higher on the Maslowian Scale Psychological subscale and Total score. Scores on the Maslowian Scale Fundamentals and Self-actualization subscales and Personal Orientation Inventory were not different for any group. Correlations among the three measures of self-actualization are presented.

SELF-ACTUALIZATION IN GIFTED CHILDREN

Scores on self-actualization of 131 gifted students in Grades 4 through 8 were investigated using the Reflections of Self By Youth (ROSY) and the Maslowian Scale. Analysis of covariance indicated grade and gender were not significant effects in the various scores, and there was no interaction between grade and gender using scores on the ROSY. Means for students in Grade 8 were significantly higher than those for Grade 4 only on the Maslowian Scale-Psychological. Boys in Grade 4 scored significantly higher than girls on the Fundamentals and Total score. The ROSY and Maslowian Scale scores were significantly correlated (R2 = .21).

Staff Development through Videotapes in Gifted Education.

This article provides information on 89 videotapes covering a wide variety of topics relevant to gifted education that are currently available for use in staff development. A listing and analysis of future needs in the field revealed additional videos should be developed on parenting, preschool, academic areas, cooperative learning, special populations, evaluation, and legal issues.