Summary
Overview
This Hidden Brain episode explores intelligence testing and intimate relationships through two main stories. First, psychologist Scott Barry Kaufman shares his journey from being labeled learning disabled with low IQ scores to becoming an intelligence researcher who challenges narrow definitions of human potential. Second, psychologist James Cordova answers listener questions about relationship challenges, discussing concepts like acceptance, 'eating the blame,' and creating intimate safety with partners.
Scott's Childhood Struggles with Intelligence Testing
Scott Barry Kaufman suffered ear infections as a young child that affected his auditory processing, causing him to be slower than peers. Teachers interpreted this as low intelligence, leading to him repeating third grade. He was bullied, isolated, and sent to a special school for learning disabilities. These early experiences with being labeled as having limited potential would profoundly shape his life's work.
- Ear infections made it hard for Scott to process auditory input in real time, putting him milliseconds behind other students
- He was held back and required to repeat third grade, with teachers citing immaturity as the reason
- After repeating third grade, Scott faced bullying including being pushed into a sink while other kids taunted him
- He was eventually removed from public school and sent to a special school for kids with learning disabilities
" I just remember being taunted and being told things like, oh, you're too stupid to go on the fourth grade, you idiot, that sort of thing. But yeah, it was really painful. "
" I remember thinking to myself, my gosh, I must be really immature if I'm too immature to go to fourth grade. That's really bad. "
The Devastating High School IQ Test Revelation
At age 17, Scott sought permission to take gifted classes and was sent to see the school psychologist. In a crushing moment, the psychologist drew a bell curve showing where gifted students fell, then moved his pen far to the left to show Scott's IQ score of around 87-89 from childhood testing. The psychologist denied his request, and Scott later discovered in the library that his score range was labeled as 'unlikely to graduate high school.'
- The school psychologist drew a bell curve and moved the pen far to the left to show Scott's IQ score from age 8-9 testing
- Scott's IQ score was approximately 87-89, well below the gifted threshold of 130
- After leaving the office, Scott looked up IQ charts in the library and found his range labeled as 'unlikely to graduate high school'
- Scott threw the book across the library in anger and rebellious determination
" He's like, this is your score. He's like you're not gifted, unfortunately you can't qualify for gifted education. "
" I remember seeing my range that he kind of just showed me and it said, unlikely to graduate high school. And I always had this rebellious bone in my body though. Because I remember saying, f*** that, and throwing the book across the library. "
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