Is Multipotentiality a Problem or Not? A New Look at the Data

Abstract

Multipotentiality is widely cited as a characteristic of the most gifted individuals. It refers to their ability and interest to pursue various activities and goals especially as related to leisure and career choice. Multipotentiality appears beneficial, but can also lead to problems in career decision-making. Evidence for such problems, however, is contradictory and often anecdotal. This research, a follow-up study to Rysiew, Shore and Carson (1984), through the examination of longitudinal empirical data, sought to ascertain the outcomes of multipotentiality and to examine its effects on career decision-making. The sample comprised 180 participants (110 males and 70 females), which is 73% of 1984 sample. The average verbal IQ (Otis & Lennon, 1969) was 124.5. Results show that multipotentiality seemed not problematic, and evidence for career indecision was lacking. As for moderating variables, participants' considered experiences to be beneficial.

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