Document Type

Book Chapter

Publication Date

4-25-2025

Keywords

adulthood, childhood, intelligence, relationship, success

Disciplines

Developmental Psychology

Abstract

One of the most famous studies tracking the relationship between intelligence and success was conducted by Louis Terman. Terman’s Gifted Child Study began in the 1920s and followed nearly 1500 gifted children throughout their lives. To qualify, the children had to have an IQ of at least 140. The children were followed into adulthood to see how their intelligence was related to social and personal adjustment. Terman found that his sample showed not only positive academic outcomes, but also tended to be healthier, taller, and stronger than children with lower IQs. These positive effects persisted into adulthood. Two-thirds earned bachelor’s degrees as adults during the Great Depression. Compared to the white-collar average salary of $5,800 in 1954, the gifted children were boasting an annual salary of $10,556. In a review of Terman’s book about the gifted participants (now adults) Anastasi noted “In physical and mental health, as well as in emotional and social adjustment, the gifted group continued to be superior to the generality.”

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