Feeling it all: Dabrowski's Psychomotor Overexcitability

Abstract

The first overexcitability (OE) that we will look at in more detail is that labelled ‘Psychomotor overexcitability’. According to Dabrowski’s research this can be demonstrated by an excess of energy as well as emotional strain (Ackerman 2009) and the need to move, talk and have sensory input.

Children who demonstrate this OE may show increased ‘liveliness’ including apparent impulsivity, love of movement, exuberance of enthusiasm, requirement for action, sometimes hurried speech and often intense physical activity (Ackerman). Often the ways this OE are expressed do not fit with classroom expectations and are frequently viewed as disruptive behaviour, (persistent talking, apparent impulsivity, calling out, anxious habits, touching things/people and ‘playing up’) from teachers.