Hidden talents in harsh environments

Although early-life adversity can undermine healthy development, children growing up in harsh environments may develop intact, or even enhanced, skills for solving problems in high-adversity contexts (i.e., hidden talents). Here we situate the hidden talents model within a larger interdisciplinary framework. Summarizing theory and research on hidden talents, we propose that stress-adapted skills represent a form of adaptive intelligence that enables individuals to function within the constraints of harsh, unpredictable environments. We discuss the alignment of the hidden talents model with current knowledge about human brain development following early adversity; examine potential applications of this perspective to multiple sectors concerned with youth from harsh environments, including education, social services, and juvenile justice; and compare the hidden talents model with contemporary developmental resilience models. We conclude that the hidden talents approach offers exciting new directions for research on developmental adaptations to childhood adversity, with translational implications for leveraging stress-adapted skills to more effectively tailor education, jobs, and interventions to fit the needs and potentials of individuals from a diverse range of life circumstances. This approach affords a well-rounded view of people who live with adversity that avoids stigma and communicates a novel, distinctive, and strength-based message.

Automated summary

This article discusses hidden talents that children growing up in harsh environments may develop, which enable them to solve problems effectively. The author proposes that stress-adapted skills represent a form of adaptive intelligence that allows individuals to function well in challenging and unpredictable environments. The article explores the applications of this perspective in education, social services, and juvenile justice sectors, and compares it with contemporary resilience models. The conclusion highlights the potential of the hidden talents approach to research in understanding and addressing developmental adaptations to childhood adversity.