While many studies have investigated family characteristics that distinguish children with gifted-level abili- ties from other children, less attention has been given to family characteristics that are associated with personality adjustment within the gifted- level poupulation. This study addresses the question of which aspects of the family environmentare are significantly correlated with healthy personality adjustment among a group of children already identified as gifted. Each of the 10 scales contained in the widely used Family Environment Scales (Moos & Moos, 1981) was correlated with personality adjustment scores of 83 children, ages 7 to 11, who were attending either a public or private school gifted program. Personality adjustment was assessed by parent, child, and teacher report measures. Findings suggest that mutually supportive and open family relationships are more important to the child's self- esteem and overall adjustment that are specific family activities or value orientations.
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