Beyond IQ Test Results

Understanding and Supporting Gifted Individuals

Giftedness, defined as advanced intellectual development and early potential, is a fascinating phenomenon that deserves special attention. As psychologists, our mission goes beyond the mere administration of IQ tests such as the WAIS (Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale) and the WISC (Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children). We must delve deeply into the results to fully understand the patient’s overall functioning and support them in their specific challenges.

IQ Tests: WAIS and WISC

The Wechsler scales are valuable tools for assessing overall intellectual abilities. However, limiting ourselves to the general IQ score would be reductive. Analyzing the subtests allows us to identify various cognitive profiles, revealing both strengths and weaknesses. The subtests evaluate specific skills such as working memory, processing speed, and verbal and non-verbal reasoning.

Through conversations with our patients, we contextualize these results to uncover particular aspects of their intellectual functioning that may impact their daily, familial, social, and professional lives. By integrating these multiple dimensions, we better understand how giftedness affects their journey.

Interpreting Beyond Results

IQ test results are merely a starting point for structured and in-depth discussions with our patients. We don’t just share numbers: we interpret these scores to reveal potential and areas requiring particular support. Giftedness often comes with specific challenges, such as motivation issues, self-esteem problems, or social relationships.

By building on a thorough understanding of our patients’ abilities and limitations, we develop support strategies tailored to their particular needs. Our approach does not limit itself to the individual; it also includes the family, school, or professional environment. Giftedness is a reality experienced in interaction with others.

The Therapeutic Relationship

A solid therapeutic relationship is essential for this process. Creating a space of trust and listening allows patients to express their feelings, questions, and aspirations. By considering individual projections and relational challenges, we help each person get to know themselves better and develop adaptation strategies that highlight their unique traits.

For adults, this may involve work on self-assertion, stress management, and improving relational skills. For children and adolescents, close collaboration with parents and educators is often necessary to implement appropriate educational supports and accommodations.

Conclusion

IQ test results, whether general or from subtests, only make sense when integrated into a holistic and contextual view of the individual. As psychologists, our duty is to support our patients in understanding their giftedness in relation to the challenges and opportunities of their daily lives, providing them with tools and strategies to better harness their unique potential.

Supporting giftedness is a process where each step matters, and where the fine understanding of test results and the subjective realities of our patients come together to create a therapeutic framework of support and growth.