Keywords
Gifted; Florida Gifted; Mental Health; STEM; Perfectionism
Abstract
Florida’s Gifted Education Program (FGEP) is a K-12 educational program in Florida’s public education system through which gifted students are identified and supported through individualized educational plans promoting intellectual development. The intent of this study is to explore the influence Florida’s Gifted Education Program has on the choice of major of a student and mental health outcomes. Current data revolving around different definitions of “giftedness” such as high ACT scores, SAT scores, and GPA, show a connection between negative mental health outcomes produced by the development of perfectionism. FGEP presents challenges in addressing these concerns due to non-standardized curricula across districts and schools in the form of unique Gifted Service Delivery Models. A mixed methods approach was used involving qualitative semi structured interviews and quantitative surveys with college/university students who were previously enrolled in FGEP, educators of FGEP, as well as elementary students actively enrolled in FGEP. Qualitative data was analyzed using open coding and developed into themes that serve as the basis of this project. Quantitative data was analyzed using statistical analysis, including descriptive statistics (e.g., mean, median, standard deviation, range, etc.) and correlation tests (e.g., Fisher’s Exact, Mann-Whitney U test, etc.,). FGEP does not directly push students to pursue STEM majors more than Non-STEM; however, there is more emphasis on STEM curriculum in classes. The FGEP influences the development of perfectionism through special treatment, student self-criticism, and high expectations, which leads to increased depression and anxiety later in life.
Thesis Completion Year
2025
Thesis Completion Semester
Spring
Thesis Chair
Adams, Donovan
College
College of Sciences
Department
Anthropology
Thesis Discipline
Anthropology
Language
English
Access Status
Open Access
Length of Campus Access
None
Campus Location
Orlando (Main) Campus
STARS Citation
Bass, Sterlin L., "Florida’s Gifted Education Program: Exploring The Nexus Between Giftedness And Choice Of College Major" (2025). Honors Undergraduate Theses. 314.
https://stars.library.ucf.edu/hut2024/314
Rights Statement
