This study aims to investigate the underrepresentation of women within the population identified as gifted. Having in to account that several explanations have been given: possible differences in personality traits, competencies and/or motivations, beliefs and gender stereotypes expectations, and the development of gender-differentiated behaviors. It is of great importance to include these factors in observation as well as in evaluation and screening protocols for children and adolescents. Therefore, the study objective is to define if there are significant differences in gender-related personality styles and behavior patterns between sexes in highly talented adolescents. Thus, 159 adolescents between 11 and 16 years of age, divided into two groups participated. The gifted group consisted of 85 adolescents (40 boys and 45 girls); and the typical group were 74 adolescents (49 boys and 25 girls). Participants were evaluated with personality, resilience, perfectionism, rule-following, perseverative thinking and experimental avoidance tests. Results showed that girls of gifted group had significantly higher scores than boys in some “negative” personality styles and behavior patterns; and significantly lower scores than boys in some “positive”. These have some implications in assessing and supporting gifted population, which are discussed.
