A Five-Stance Model of Giftedness: Five Stances Underlying Giftedness in Action

Giftedness often is seen primarily in terms of individual differences in abilities—with some individuals standing above others. However, what are perceived as differences in abilities are sometimes, rather, differences in stances—decisions made by individuals as to how to utilize their abilities. These stances, as expressed in the utilization (as opposed to the mere possession) of abilities, are analytical--to stand out and over; practical--to stand with and fit in; creative--to stand apart and against; wisdom--to stand beyond; and courage -- to stand up tall when one is tempted to fall down. The theory here is that the executive processes, or metacomponents that gifted individuals use are largely the same in every case—what differs is the stance that individuals decide to take in the utilization of those abilities. Utilizations, in sum, often can be causes rather than merely effects of the development of profiles of abilities.