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Factors Affecting Career and Talent Development Self-Efficacy in Gifted and Talented Students

Fatma Yildirim https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1981-1765 [email protected]View all authors and affiliations

https://doi.org/10.1177/02614294261438361

Abstract
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Abstract

Cognitive, behavioral, and social-environmental characteristics are essential foundations for career and talent development among gifted and talented students. This research examines how cognitive flexibility mediates the relationship between perfectionism, career and talent development self-efficacy, and whether socioeconomic status (SES) moderates this mediation among gifted and talented students. The study analyzed data from 382 gifted students enrolled in Turkish Science and Art Centers. Using SPSS and the PROCESS macro, mediation and moderated mediation analyses showed that cognitive flexibility significantly mediates the relationship between perfectionism and career and talent development self-efficacy. Furthermore, SES emerged as a moderator: higher SES amplified the influence of perfectionism while attenuating the effect of cognitive flexibility on career and talent development self-efficacy. These findings suggest that implementing differentiated career development programs, counseling services, interventions, and providing SES-sensitive, personalized career guidance may substantially enhance career and talent development self-efficacy among gifted students.

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Biographies

Fatma Yıldırım, Ph.D., is an independent researcher specializing in gifted and talented education. She completed her doctoral studies at Soonchunhyang University in just three years as a recipient of the prestigious Korean Government Scholarship (GKS). For three years, between 2021 and 2024, she served as an Assistant Professor at Atatürk University in the Department of Special Education. Currently, her research primarily focuses on the career development and educational psychology of gifted and talented individuals. Dr. Yıldırım has authored various studies exploring socio-emotional factors, attachment styles, and psychological mediators that influence the talent development pathways and career self-efficacy of gifted populations.

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