“Being gifted or having high intellectual potential, is it a matter of chance or does it depend on human factors?” N. Diallo asks us on our Facebook page. This is our Question of the Week. Thank you all for your participation.
High potential intelligence (HPI) is defined by an intelligence quotient (IQ) above 130 and concerns approximately 2% of the population. Being HPI is neither the result of pure chance nor totally determined by human factors: it results from a complex interaction between genetic bases and environmental influences, as we explained in our previous article " HPI: What does science really say about IQ champions?“ , published in September 2024.
A brain difference from birth
Scientific research on the subject shows that HPI is based on atypical brain development, visible from the first years of life. Margaux Courrèges, neuropsychologist at the GHU Paris psychiatrie & neurosciences, explains that in medical imaging, the prefrontal cortex of HPI is often thicker, with a higher neuronal density than in the general population. This structure, associated with early myelination of neurons – better insulation of nerve fibers – allows rapid transmission of information, thus giving HPI an accelerated capacity for analysis and reasoning.
This early development is often accompanied by characteristics observable from childhood: psychomotor progress, insatiable curiosity and elaborate language, as demonstrated by Sébastien, 12 years old, able to read before entering primary school. These elements illustrate that HPI is not the result of pure chance, but results from a biological basis influenced for 20 to 80% (according to studies) by genetic factors.
Social and environmental factors: a crucial role
If biology sets a foundation, the environment acts as a catalyst or a brake on the development of potential. Laurence Vaivre-Douret, a specialist in developmental neuropsychology at the University of Paris Cité, a clinician at the Necker-Enfants Malades Hospital in Paris and head of an Inserm research team, emphasizes that HPI, thanks to their early curiosity and empathy, are sensitive to social and educational interactions. A favorable environment, intellectually and emotionally stimulating, can allow high potential to flourish fully.
However, the environment can also become an obstacle. Persistent prejudices describe HPI as hypersensitive or maladjusted. These stereotypes, reinforced by works such as Too smart to be happy by Jeanne Siaud-Facchin (Odile Jacob, 2008), skew public perception. However, studies, including meta-analyses cited by Nicolas Gauvrit, a teacher-researcher in cognitive sciences at the University of Lille, demonstrate that HPI are generally less subject to anxiety and other psychological disorders.
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Each HPI individual is unique
HPI profiles are varied, ranging from homogeneous HPI to more disparate configurations. In some cases, associated disorders such as ADHD or theautism can accentuate social or educational difficulties. This demonstrates that each HPI individual is unique, shaped by a combination of natural predispositions and external factors.
To learn more about this topic, see our article “ HPI: What does science really say about IQ champions?“.
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