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13 - The Invisible Potential

Understanding Systematic Barriers to Human Potential as a Serious World Problem

from Part IV - Specific World Problems

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  21 October 2026

By
Ophélie Allyssa Desmet
Edited by
Robert J. Sternberg,
Séamus A. Power and
Fathali M. Moghaddam
Robert J. Sternberg
Affiliation:
Cornell University
Séamus A. Power
Affiliation:
University of Copenhagen
Fathali M. Moghaddam
Affiliation:
Georgetown University
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Summary

This chapter examines systematic talent waste, traditionally called underachievement, as a dynamic phenomenon emerging from person-task-situation interactions rather than fixed deficits. When capable individuals fail to realize their potential due to barriers within or beyond educational settings, humanity's capacity to address global challenges is limited. Moving beyond ability–achievement discrepancy definitions, a four-pathway framework identifies how underachievement develops through internal barriers, external barriers, lack of synergy, and mismatch, each requiring differentiated interventions. The chapter explores psychological mechanisms, including motivational beliefs, attribution patterns, identity development, and person–environment fit. Evidence-based interventions are examined for each pathway, emphasizing approaches addressing individual and environmental factors through self-efficacy building, attribution retraining, systemic advocacy, and curriculum modification. Addressing systematic talent waste represents not merely an educational priority but also a moral imperative for society's capacity to confront climate change, public health crises, and social fragmentation.

Keywords

Underachievementachievement motivationtalent developmentperson–environment interactiondiagnosis-intervention model

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Chapter
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The Psychology of Serious Everyday World Problems , pp. 291 - 321
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2026

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