Competition and the adjustment of gifted children: A matter of motivation

Although there are several reasons to predict that intellectually gifted children have different attitudes toward, experiences with, and opportunities for competition, the research literature on this topic is extremely limited. In this article, we review the literature and discuss an important distinction between task‐oriented competitive behavior, which is motivated by a desire to improve performance, and other‐referenced competitive behavior, which is motivated primarily by a desire to outdo an opponent. The implications of these competitive styles with regard to the academic achievement and social adjustment of gifted youngsters is explored and some suggestions for educators and parents are provided.