Perceptions of Giftedness among University Faculty in Spain

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Bibliographic Details
Title: Perceptions of Giftedness among University Faculty in Spain
Language: English
Authors: Tania Pasarín-Lavín, Trinidad García, Paloma Merello (ORCID 0000-0001-8240-3003)
Source: Journal for the Education of the Gifted. 2026 49(2):119-150.
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: Y
Page Count: 32
Publication Date: 2026
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education
Postsecondary Education
Descriptors: Foreign Countries, College Faculty, Teacher Attitudes, Academically Gifted, Gender Differences, Teaching Experience, Teacher Education, Acceleration (Education), Stereotypes, Bias, Age Differences, Experience, Ability Grouping
Geographic Terms: Spain
DOI: 10.1177/01623532261432681
ISSN: 0162-3532
2162-9501
Abstract: This study investigates the attitudes of Spanish higher education faculty toward gifted students. A total of 1,298 university faculty from arts, social sciences, health sciences, sciences, and engineering answered an adapted version of a questionnaire that focuses on people's opinions about the gifted and their education. Quantitative analysis used parametric and nonparametric tests and multivariate regression models to identify patterns in attitudes toward giftedness. Results revealed that individuals who suspected their giftedness scored significantly higher across all measured dimensions, suggesting a potential confirmation bias. Gender emerged as a key factor, with women, particularly those with personal connections to giftedness, exhibiting a heightened sensitivity to the needs of gifted students. Faculty training and experience with gifted students improved overall attitudes but did not significantly influence the acceptance of grouping and acceleration practices, indicating gaps in training programs. These findings highlight the need for more effective faculty training initiatives and university policies to better support gifted students.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2026
Accession Number: EJ1505948
Database: ERIC
Description
Abstract:This study investigates the attitudes of Spanish higher education faculty toward gifted students. A total of 1,298 university faculty from arts, social sciences, health sciences, sciences, and engineering answered an adapted version of a questionnaire that focuses on people's opinions about the gifted and their education. Quantitative analysis used parametric and nonparametric tests and multivariate regression models to identify patterns in attitudes toward giftedness. Results revealed that individuals who suspected their giftedness scored significantly higher across all measured dimensions, suggesting a potential confirmation bias. Gender emerged as a key factor, with women, particularly those with personal connections to giftedness, exhibiting a heightened sensitivity to the needs of gifted students. Faculty training and experience with gifted students improved overall attitudes but did not significantly influence the acceptance of grouping and acceleration practices, indicating gaps in training programs. These findings highlight the need for more effective faculty training initiatives and university policies to better support gifted students.
ISSN:0162-3532
2162-9501
DOI:10.1177/01623532261432681