Chapter 4: Gifted Bullies, Targets, and Bystanders: A Mental Health Perspective

“Gifted Bullies, Targets, and Bystanders: A Mental Health Perspective” introduces the characters and their roles in bullying within gifted programming. Peterson explains that due to the potential impact on the mental health of bullies, targets, and spectators, the bullying of and by gifted young people deserves attention. This chapter explores motivation and vulnerability; types and effects of bullying; prevention and intervention; and school responsibilities. Peterson points out attributes associated with giftedness that can contribute to gifted students’ vulnerability to anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress, and suicide. Legal options and example court cases are discussed as a last resort for addressing bullying.