In the 1920s, Lewis Terman, a psychologist interested in young people with high ability, took on the serious task of reshaping American society's view of giftedness. In doing so, Terman's landmark longitudinal investigation, Genetic Studies of Genius, dispelled the stereotypes of gifted children as frail, underdeveloped, and awkward. Through this comprehensive study, Terman showed that a group of gifted boys had grown to become academically achieving, well-adjusted young men. By the time they reached high school, they had varied interests, were active in extracurricular activities, excelled in school, and maintained high personal and professional aspirations. They went on to excel in prestigious colleges, met early success in their careers, and enjoyed stable and long-lasting marriages. In summary, the gifted boys in Terman's study grew to ...