Daydreaming and curiosity in gifted and average children and adolescents.

307 gifted (CA 10–16 yrs; mean IQ 138.8) and 192 age-matched average Ss (IQ 100.8) completed the Imaginal Processes Inventory, the Children's Reactive Curiosity Scale, and the Academic Curiosity Scale. Demographic and IQ data were obtained from Ss' school records. Factor analysis of the data resulted in factors indicative of individual difference dimensions in daydreaming content and curiosity independent of demographic and IQ factors. Analyses of factor scores by grade level revealed decreasing linear trends over grade on the Guilt and Fear of Failure Daydreaming factor in both groups. Increasing trends over grade level were found for the Curiosity and Positive-Constructive Daydreaming factors in the gifted group. Average Ss showed a developmental decline in curiosity. Compared to average Ss, gifted Ss had higher Curiosity factor scores, lower Guilt and Fear of Failure Daydreaming scores, and higher scores on the Intelligence and Family Enrichment factor. The validity of the distinction between intellectual power and intellectual styles and the development of intellectual styles are discussed. (17 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)