Opinion: I am a ‘mad genius,’ and I need academic, social support

By Aparna S

September 24, 2024: “There is a fine line between genius and insanity” is often used to describe individuals who exhibit exceptional talent in various fields. Movies and popular media frequently reinforce this ‘mad genius’ stereotype.  It is an ascription of negative socioemotional characteristics, say a ‘quintessential teacher’s pet.’

Intelligence is the ability to think rationally, act logically and solve by applying acquired knowledge. But it is never a linear one.

Like Howard Gardner proposes in ‘Frames of Mind.’ Intelligence consists of at least eight specific modalities –linguistic, visuospatial, musical, logical-mathematical, interpersonal, intrapersonal, naturalistic and bodily-kinesthetic.

One can be intelligent in many ways, not just academics. You can be musically intelligent, artistically intelligent, creatively or theatrically. A fact that many teachers conveniently forget!

Stereotypes have little to do with actual characteristics of the gifted but they form a reality in peoples’ minds and shape how they perceive and behave toward gifted individuals.

Popular, ‘socially awkward’

Think about two students: an outgoing, popular, and another ‘socially awkward’ one who is uncomfortable around people. If one of them was gifted—who do you think it would be?

You are in good company if you pick the latter. People tend to think that intellectually gifted individuals are not so good in their social interactions, relationships and adaptive skills which makes them ‘less cool’ or ‘nerdy’ — the ‘mad genius.’

However, research indicates that there is no significant difference between gifted individuals and their ‘not so gifted’ counterparts regarding social behaviour and emotional competence. 

Gifted individuals tend to have similar levels of well-being and stress, and they are not more prone to depression or anxiety than others. The apparent differences in behaviour are likely shaped by societal perceptions and expectations. 

Gifted individuals are as gifted as others in several dimensions of social interaction and adaptive skills, as studies point out. One may say that there have been no significant differences in the socio-emotional interactions of gifted and non-gifted individuals, provided the neurological development is normal. Then what is it about the “nerd”?

Mad genius stereotype 

To help gifted individuals reach their full potential, it is essential to separate high ability from behavioural deficits and challenge the ‘mad genius’ stereotype. 

Studies show that negative stereotypes can lead gifted students to either conceal their abilities to avoid stigma or to overidentify with the label, adopting stereotypical traits. Such stereotypes can significantly influence how teachers perceive gifted students, affecting their expectations and the student’s academic goals.

Moreover, popular culture often depicts gifted individuals in a limited manner, either as child prodigies or as troubled geniuses struggling with their abilities. 

This portrayal can distort the reality of giftedness, which encompasses a wide range of talents and experiences. By confronting these stereotypes and recognizing the diverse nature of intelligence, we can foster an environment where gifted individuals are understood and supported, allowing them to thrive both academically and socially.

(Dr Aparna S is a consultant psychiatrist and an Assistant Professor at the Believers Church Medical College Hospital, Tiruvalla, Kerala. Views expressed are her own and not of an organisation or company.)