The Socialization of Highly Intelligent Boys: Case Material from Terman's Correspondence

Lewis M. Terman's letters to the parents of 42 boys with childhood IQs greater than 170 were examined and contrasted with those sent to parents of 42 boys with IQs between 135 and 159. Parents of boys with very high IQs were more frequently advised to restrain academic acceleration and to encourage mixing with agemates. The author places this advice in its historical context, suggests that the social needs of many highly intelligent children can best be satisfied in peer groups consisting of children of similar ability and interests, and concludes with a brief discussion of current options for jointly facilitating social and intellectual development.