Promoting Engagement and Motivation and Reducing Perceived Underachievement of Gifted Male Adolescents: A Mixed-Methods Single-Case Experimental Study

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Bibliographic Details
Title: Promoting Engagement and Motivation and Reducing Perceived Underachievement of Gifted Male Adolescents: A Mixed-Methods Single-Case Experimental Study
Language: English
Authors: Sabine Sypré (ORCID 0000-0002-8696-5764), Patrick Onghena (ORCID 0000-0002-3986-8312), Karine Verschueren, Maarten Vansteenkiste, Bart Soenens
Source: Gifted Child Quarterly. 2026 70(2):194-222.
Availability: SAGE Publications. 2455 Teller Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320. Tel: 800-818-7243; Tel: 805-499-9774; Fax: 800-583-2665; e-mail: journals@sagepub.com; Web site: https://sagepub.com
Peer Reviewed: N
Page Count: 29
Publication Date: 2026
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Education Level: Secondary Education
Descriptors: Academically Gifted, Learner Engagement, Student Motivation, Underachievement, Males, Adolescents, Self Concept, Intervention, Program Effectiveness, Counseling, Student Attitudes, Beliefs, Foreign Countries, Secondary School Students
Geographic Terms: Belgium
DOI: 10.1177/00169862251388967
ISSN: 0016-9862
1934-9041
Abstract: This study investigated the effectiveness of a one-on-one counseling intervention for underachieving gifted adolescents, recognizing that not all excel academically despite their high cognitive abilities. Underachievement in this group can lead to detrimental consequences in both the short and long term. The research explored whether a tailored intervention can enhance engagement and mitigate underachievement. It distinguishes between two pathways leading to underachievement and designs specific modules for each. One module targets students' self-beliefs, fostering a growth mindset and minimizing self-handicapping, while the other aims to boost students' valuation of schoolwork by influencing various factors. Employing a mixed-methods single-case approach, the study involved eight gifted male adolescents aged 13 to 16, with four participating in each module. Findings indicated that while both modules affected outcomes, particularly in identity development, there were variations in effectiveness. This research sheds light on the development of interventions to address underachievement in cognitively gifted adolescents.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2026
Accession Number: EJ1499969
Database: ERIC
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