ABSTRACT
The gifted label of is a double-edged sword, as it simultaneously implies privilege and stigma: on the one hand, it is associated with higher status, but, on the other hand, like any other label or differentiating category, it takes the risk of separating individuals from “normality”, both physically and psychologically. In order to determine the effects of using the giftedness label on students, a narrative review method was used. From the findings, it is proposed that the usefulness of the label of giftedness is marginal and, rather, the process of labeling giftedness has negative effects on the identity of the labeled individual, on his/her ways of coping, on his/her social relationships and even, on his/her school experience, because the use of the label, the stereotypes and the stigma derived from them, lead to an overly-demanding environment and exclusion from natural circles of peers when specialized educational programs are imposed.
KEYWORDS:
Giftedness; Label; Stigma; Special educational needs