Excellence in achievement contexts: psychological science applications and future directions

The study of human excellence has always been present in the
development of psychological science, although its theory, research, and
practice focus have been mainly on negative and pathological issues. Many authors have attempted to explain and understand youth and
adults’ exceptional achievements in several achievement domains, such
as science, art, or sports. Here, we consider three main different
approaches that study excellence. There are those which focus on natural
talent, those which propose intensive training and practice as main
factors of high and outstanding performances, and those which define
excellence in the context of wisdom. Analyzing the current literature, we
can distinguish training, deliberate practice, and exceptional
performance specificity resulting from a precocious involvement and
commitment to a specific domain as main points of convergence.
Cognitive, motivational, affective, and personality characteristics, as well
as contextual elements such as learning experiences and supportive
environments, are emphasized as crucial factors in the developmental
process of excellence. This concern and interest in human excellence
appears to be shared by professionals from different domains. New
challenges for future research in this field are presented.
Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia