HPI, gifted, zebra: what’s the scientific reality behind these French terms?
- The most commonly used definition of the term HIP, often used in France, describes a person with above-average intellectual ability, i.e. an IQ above 130.
- A number of other terms (zebra, gifted, precocious, etc.) are sometimes used in French, but their respective definitions do not relate to high intellectual potential.
- A persistent stereotype of HIP people is that they are more unhappy and anxious than others, but scientific studies refute this idea.
- One of the only personality traits exacerbated in HIP people is openness, which encompasses curiosity, imagination and an understanding of different moral values.
- Diagnosing an HIP is not imperative: in some cases it is useful and sheds light on a situation, but sometimes the verdict becomes – wrongly – an explanation for everything.
In recent years, discussions and debates about high intellectual potential (“HIP”) have garnered a great deal of attention. The phenomenon has even become particularly popular with the broadcast on TF1 of a series of the same name (HPI) featuring an investigator with above-average intellectual abilities. With this growing interest, tests are multiplying to find out whether or not you are HIP. The subject has almost become a fad, which inevitably brings with it its share of fantasies. However, the term HIP encompasses a scientific reality.
“High intellectual potential is defined by an above-average intelligence quotient”: true
High intellectual potential is defined by an intelligence quotient (IQ) above 130, with the average IQ being between 90 and 110. HIPs are in the top 2.3% in terms of IQ. This is the most common definition. The term HIP emphasises the fact that this is a potentiality. It means that the person has the ability to achieve great things in the intellectual sphere. However, this does not necessarily mean that they will, as other factors come into play. The scientific literature sometimes prefers the term high intelligence quotient (IQ), which has the advantage of being purely descriptive.
“Zebra, HIP, gifted, precocious all mean the same thing”: false
Different words are used to describe high intellectual potential, and they cover different definitions. “Precocious” is the term used by the French Ministry of Education, referring to a person who is intellectually advanced. This is not quite correct, since these pupils are not advanced, but are rather more gifted than average. The cognitive skills curve rises until the age of 25 and then stagnates. In the case of HIPs, levels stagnate at above-average levels. The word “surdoué” in French suggests that someone is ‘too’ gifted. People whose high intelligence ends up causing social problems and misalignments. But this is not the case. In Canada, we use the term “douance” a lot, which is close to “giftedness.” The term “zebra” was coined by psychologist Jeanne Siaud-Facchin, but is never used in science. On social networks, the word is used to describe a mixture of hypersensitivity, anxiety, and emotional difficulties, which does not correspond to the definition of high intellectual potential.
“The IQ test is the only way to know if someone is HIP”: uncertain
In research, the most common definition is the IQ test. However, some researchers consider this method inadequate and propose other models. Joseph Renzulli, an American psychologist, for example, created the three-ring model. Specialists agree that high potentials are people who could achieve great things in the intellectual sphere, and that intelligence in the sense of IQ is a central element. The question is which personality traits develop this potential. Joseph Renzulli adds two other components: creativity, because you need to be capable of coming up with original ideas, and motivation, which he calls commitment to the task. In his view, if you can’t work long and hard on the same subject, you can’t bring about a cultural revolution. This model is sound, but these components remain difficult to measure, according to Nicolas Gauvrit.
“HIPs face more difficulties than others”: false
There is still a certain stereotype according to which an HIP person is pathologically out of step with others who are more anxious or sensitive. But on this point, scientific research is clear: it’s not true. Many studies and data show that HIPs are no worse off than others. Nicolas Gauvrit and his colleagues were able to study data on a sample of 260,000 people, paying attention to all kinds of disorders or difficulties. In general, there is no difference between high potentials and others. When there is, it is usually in favour of the HIP. High potential can be seen as a strength, because intelligence is a resource for overcoming life’s difficulties. Sometimes being out of step with others can lead to complications. Studies show that the strength conferred by HIP outweighs the difficulties.
What is hypersensitivity?
Sensitivity is a personality trait that does not necessarily characterise HIP people. Sensitive people react more to stimuli, whether emotional or physical. This can take the form of noticing small changes in the environment or reacting intensely to art, for example. Everyone is at a higher or lower level of sensitivity.
The term “hypersensitive” is used to describe people who are at the top of the sensitivity scale. And this has both positive and negative aspects. On the one hand, these individuals are more attentive; on the other, their emotions are more intense and can be more difficult to manage. At the same time, hypersensitive people are better able to understand their emotions. So, hypersensitivity is not a disorder, but statistically it is associated with more emotional difficulties – it’s a risk factor.
What’s more, hypersensitivity is a different personality trait from emotionality. Sensitivity favours emotionality, but it is possible to be sensitive and know how to manage strong emotions. Poor emotional management is independent of hypersensitivity. In fact, hypersensitive people generally manage their emotions better. Like other personality traits, sensitivity can be measured.
“High intellectual potential is an invention”: false
There is a counter-legend that high potentials are nothing special, that they are a hollow invention, but this is not true. IQ is a continuum: there’s not much difference between an IQ of 125 and 135, and it may seem arbitrary to set the threshold at 130. However, the difference does exist. This is comparable to height: if we say that people over 1m95 are “very tall”, this may seem arbitrary for people who are 1m93. However, it would be wrong to say that people measuring 1m95 are nothing special. They are more likely to be seen in the underground, and they bump into each other more often. So, there is indeed a difference, which can sometimes lead to a feeling of being out of place – which is perfectly manageable.
“HIPs have particular personality traits”: uncertain
There are no personality traits that can be used to detect high intellectual potential. However, of the five major personality traits traditionally considered in psychology (i.e. Openness, Conscientiousness, Extroversion, Agreeableness, Neuroticism), only one distinguishes them from the others: openness. This term covers curiosity, but also the desire to discover new things, intellectual openness, a taste for the imaginary, the ability to understand different moral values, etc. On average, HIPs have higher scores on this personality trait. For the other four main traits (extroversion, agreeableness, neuroticism and conscientiousness), there is no significant difference.
“You need to know if you are an HIP”: false
It is not at all necessary to know that you are intellectually more gifted than average. In fact, many psychologists are very cautious and do not rush to the test when in doubt. You have to consider the effects on the individual of a positive or negative test. You can be devastated when you think you are and you’re not. On the other hand, once you’ve been diagnosed, you can start to explain everything in this way. So there is a risk, and it’s better to know what the answer is going to be used for. For example, it can be useful for an adult who wants to move towards a more intellectual career. As far as children are concerned, it may be more important to know if there are problems at school, or if there are plans to skip a grade. However, even in these cases, it is not absolutely necessary. It is more of an indication, but the French Ministry of Education specifies that the fact of being an HIP is neither a precondition nor an automatic reason for moving up a grade.
