Exploring Dabrowski's Theory

Understanding how challenging behaviors in able learners can be a sign of intense emotions and unique thinking patterns

Highly able learners, often referred to as gifted children, possess exceptional abilities that can set them apart from their peers. However, these abilities often come with unique challenges and characteristics. One concept that helps us understand these children better is the idea of overexcitabilities, introduced by Polish psychologist Kazimierz Dabrowski.



What Are Overexcitabilities?



Overexcitabilities (OEs) are heightened responses to various forms of stimuli. Dabrowski’s theory of Positive Disintegration includes five types of overexcitabilities that gifted individuals may experience. These are:



Psychomotor Overexcitability: Characterised by high energy levels, restlessness, and a need for physical activity. Children with this OE might be described as "always on the go" and may struggle to sit still in a traditional classroom setting.



Sensual Overexcitability: Involves an enhanced experience of the senses. These children might be particularly sensitive to sounds, smells, or textures. They might be overwhelmed by scratchy clothing or be deeply moved by music.



Emotional Overexcitability: This is marked by intense feelings and emotions. Gifted children with emotional OE may be highly empathetic, experience profound happiness or sadness, and often have a strong sense of justice.



Intellectual Overexcitability: Reflects a deep need to understand and analyse. These children often ask endless questions, enjoy problem-solving, and may be highly curious about complex topics that interest them.



Imaginational Overexcitability: Characterised by a rich imagination, fantasy, and creativity. Children with this OE may create elaborate stories, have imaginary friends, or be deeply engaged in creative pursuits.


How Overexcitabilities Impact Highly Able Learners



While these overexcitabilities can be seen as intensities or heightened experiences, they also play a significant role in how highly able learners perceive and interact with the world, It is so important to recognise and accept that many of these children are autodidacts (Self Taught) and thus may render their teachers redundant. 



Enhanced Learning Experiences: Highly able learners with intellectual overexcitabilities are often driven to learn and understand deeply. Their intense curiosity can lead to advanced knowledge and skills in areas of interest.



Social and Emotional Challenges: Emotional overexcitabilities can lead to deep empathy but may also result in feeling misunderstood or overwhelmed by their own emotions. They might find it hard to relate to peers who don’t experience emotions as intensely.



Sensory Sensitivities: Those with sensual overexcitabilities may find certain environments (like noisy classrooms) challenging. Understanding these sensitivities can help educators create more supportive learning environments.



Physical Restlessness: Psychomotor overexcitabilities might lead to behavior that’s mistaken for hyperactivity or inattention. Recognising this as a need for movement rather than a behavior issue is key for effective teaching strategies.



Supporting Highly Able Learners with Overexcitabilities



Understanding Dabrowski’s concept of overexcitabilities can help educators, parents, and psychologists better support highly able learners. Here are some approaches:



Provide Opportunities for Depth and Complexity: Allow intellectually overexcitable children to explore topics deeply through projects, independent studies, or advanced materials.



Create Sensory Friendly Environments: For those with sensual overexcitabilities, provide quiet spaces or sensory breaks to help manage overwhelming stimuli.



Encourage Emotional Expression: Help children with emotional overexcitabilities understand and express their feelings through journaling, technology, art, or discussions.



Support Physical Activity: Offer frequent movement breaks or physical activities for children with psychomotor overexcitabilities to help them channel their energy positively.



Foster Creativity: For children with imaginational overexcitabilities, encourage creative pursuits such as writing, drawing, or drama to allow them to express their rich imaginations.



Recognising and understanding overexcitabilities in highly able learners is crucial for their development and navigating challenging behaviours giving them the opportunity to flourish, by acknowledging these unique intensities, adults can better support these children in navigating both their abilities and the challenges they might face.