Men face certain societal expectations, such as the need to be always strong, not display emotion, not be too smart and be active physically. However, gifted males can face social isolation from their peers due to their intellectual differences. They often feel pressured to choose between excellence and normality. These men want to fit in, but their interests differ from the age-mates. The men in this study sought contentment, not eminence.

The United States can be somewhat anti-intellectual in that intellectual pursuits and behaviors are not valued. Also, IQ (intelligence quotient) is more a measure of academic success and potential, not sheer intellectual ability. There are other ways to measure intellect. Characteristics of gifted individuals include the following:

• large vocabulary
• early reading
• long attention span
• fast learning speed with fewer repetitions necessary
• unusual sense of humor
• good memory

Gifted men often benefit from having mentors who help guide them and develop their skills. Sometimes, proteges choose their own mentors, and sometimes mentors choose their mentees. When mentors are too controlling, mentees must break free. The split can be difficult and upsetting for both parties.

Smart Boys: Talent, Manhood, and the Search for Meaning by Barbara Kerr and Sanford Cohn, 2001

I have not read much about male psychology, so it was interesting to learn more about that topic. However, the sample used in the research study was not representative of the United States population; the data was from one school. 

• Barbara Kerr's web site
• Books about gifted education