Giftedness and Eating Disorders: Vulnerability or Protection?

Abstract

In this article, relationship between giftedness and eating disorders is explored by reviewing the factors which may explain their connection: asynchronies, sensitivity and perfectionism. Provided further knowledge of the processes which may lead to psychopathology, it is concluded that these variables become vulnerability factors because of their interaction with an environment that is poorly responsive to the needs of the gifted child. However, it would be possible to design different settings to prevent this: paying attention to socio-affective development, promotion and appreciation of creativity, and stimulating educational environments in which the learning process is more important than performance goals could have a significant impact on prevention of eating disorders.