Positive Disintegration Resources
Yay! Free Dabrowski Resources!
Guide to Resources
Each resource has:
– Title and Author (or source)
– Level of difficulty to indicate how hard it is to read, or absorb the information (Easy, Medium, Hard)
– A rating out of five stars for how awesome I personally think it is (hint: I don’t always stick to just five stars…)
– A blurb based on my experience with it (why I rate it, audience it’s best for)
– Link!
Featured Resource *****
The Dabrowski Center
I have a vested interest in this site, because the DC has welcomed me onto the board (for which I am grateful). But this is going to be one hell of a site, and I’m going to do my very best to contribute to it, and ensure it is THE site for all things on positive disintegration.
There is an archive of research papers on OE, and a cool section of ‘Quote Collages’ which pull quotes from Dabrowski’s extensive works into topic areas. There are full transcripts to the Positive Disintegration podcast, access to the PD site on substack, and videos from the Dabrowski 2022 and 2024 Congresses.
The Dabrowski Center is a not-for profit, and we rely on donations to help us continue the work and expand our content.
Wikipedia
(Easy ***)
Yeah, you heard right. Wikipedia! It’s summarised, and it’s simple. If you want a high level overview Dabrowski’s framework in about 15 minutes flat, start here (just don’t expect any detailed explanations). I’ve found this is a good link for sharing with other people to explain the basics of the theory in a way that won’t overwhelm them, and it’s Wikipedia, so people trust it.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Positive_disintegration
Michael Piechowski Website
(Easy ***)
This website is run by Michael Piechowski (M.Sc.). You can buy Michael’s book “Mellow Out” here, which I recommend, and there is also a page containing all his works. This includes articles on TPD and giftedness, clinical applications, and conceptual works. If you’re interested in TPD or OE in relation to giftedness or gifted education, this site will serve you well.
https://mellowout.us/michaels-work
Dabrowski Interview on YouTube
(Medium ****)
This interview with Kazimierz Dabrowski takes place in a coffee shop, and a provides a wonderful insight into the man himself. I find there is something profoundly comforting and calm about him, and his thoughts on things like meditation are quite profound. If you want to get to know what the man behind the theory was like, this is a good place to start. Credit must go to ‘Giftedness’ – this is not one of my videos…
Overexcitability Resources
External OE resources – free on the internet from professional minds
Psychology In Seattle Podcast – Gifted People Are Misunderstood
(Easy ***)
Podcast with Lisa Erickson (which I unfortunately can only find on YouTube and not podcasting platforms). Excellent conversation about some of the issues OE adults face. This podcast was what inspired me to start creating resources for OE on YouTube.
Overexcitabilities (Excerpt)
(Medium ***)
Written by M. Piechowski
A rundown of the five overexcitabilities, and some of the issues faced. It’s not so much the content that captivates me so much as the beautiful (and often heart-breaking) emotion expressed in the quotes. You’ll feel seen reading this. Courtesy of Bill Tillier’s site.
The Origins and Conceptual Evolution of Overexcitability
(Medium ***)
Written by Chris Wells and Frank Falk
Frank and Chris look at the origins of overexcitability (i.e. it’s traceable history in psychology) and how it came up into Dabrowski’s work, and evolved into the concepts we have today. They examine it’s relationship to ADHD, and current myths and misconceptions are busted.
Dabrowski’s Theory of Positive Disintegration and Giftedness: Overexcitability Research Findings
(Medium ***)
Written by Sal Mendaglio and William Tillier
Short but sweet. This is good for understanding how complicated OEs are, and how they don’t just come down to a checklist, and that’s it. Sal and Bill look at Dabrowski’s original research into OE and modern research, and lay out their conclusions about how OE is used in gifted education.
Reexamining Overexcitability: A Framework for Understanding Intense Experience
(Medium ***)
Written by Michael Piechowski and Chris Wells
This focuses on gifted children and teens, but does well to cover ground on the subject of challenges experienced by those with OE.
Books
If you’ve got the cash to spare, and want to really dive deep
Personality-Shaping Through Positive Disintegration
(Hard ***********)
Kazimierz Dabrowski M.D., Ph.D.
Listen, if you’re going to get just ONE book from Dabrowski, this is the one. He describes personality’s individual and universal characteristics, the methods involved in shaping it, and case studies of famous personalities (including Augustine and Michelangelo). This book has informed so much of my work, and my understanding of his concepts. This one was published after ‘Positive Disintegration’ and I think by this point, KD was explaining himself much better, AND it’s a lot longer and more comprehensive.
Positive Disintegration
(Hard ****)
Kazimierz Dabrowski M.D., Ph.D.
This is “The Book” – Dabrowski’s original work which defines and outlines his theory. Be warned – this is written by a psychiatrist and psychologist, and it’s a bit outdated. Heavy reading, but worth it. This is shorter than ‘Personality Shaping’, so if less is more, this might appeal to you.
‘Mellow Out’ They Say. If Only I Could.
(Easy ****)
Michael Piechowski Ph.D.
If you have OE, and don’t see yourself in the teenagers quoted in this book, I will eat my right arm. It says at the beginning – “This book is intended for parents and teachers of intense and sensitive young people and to serve the young people as a friendly mirror in which they can recognise themselves for who they are” – but is a book which will serve gifted people of all ages. It is considered one of the best books on overexcitability. Mellow Out explores intensity and sensitivity, and also has a table of traits that relate to OE. More than that, it’s an easy read, so if heavy academia isn’t your scene, definitely give this a go.
Living with Intensity: Understanding the Sensitivity, Excitability, and Emotional Development of Gifted Children, Adolescents, and Adults
(Unknown)
Susan Daniels, Ph.D., Editor, Michael M. Piechowski, Ph.D., Editor
This book looks at overexcitabilities in both youth and adults, and gives some insights into Dabrowski’s theory. Seems to be pretty popular. I have not read it myself, but a lot of people rave about it, and if you’ve listened to the podcast, you know it’s often the first step in a lot of people’s gifted discovery journeys.
Psychoneurosis Is Not an Illness
(Hard **********)
Kazimierz Dabrowski M.D., Ph.D.
Exceedingly difficult to get a hold of, but if you can get a chance to read it, it’ll change your life! This book’s main message is exactly as the title reads – that psychoneurosis (difficult emotions) are not illness, but necessary for growth. It’s neurodivergent affirming, and challenges current notions on mental health. Way ahead of it’s time, and well worth the effort.
Other Resources
These websites aren’t specific to OE, but they may help you navigate it, and they’re free
Intergifted
(Easy ********)
Are you gifted? Trying to navigate life as a gifted person? Check out this website, because not only will you find resources, but you’ll find a community of your peeps too.
https://intergifted.com
Tending Paths
(Easy ********)
Neurodivergents – rejoice! This site is totally for you. If you’re 2E (twice exceptional) and are gifted, and also neurodivergent (ADHD, Autism) you’ll get a lot out of this site.
https://tendingpaths.wordpress.com
LonerWolf
(Easy *****)
And now for something spiritual… but surprisingly Dabrowski related. I’ve seen Dabrowski specifically referenced in relation to the ‘dark night of the soul’ (i.e. disintegration), but also many of his ideas echoed in this spiritual perspective on finding the path of authenticity. There’s plenty of familiar themes like this article on what it is like to be an outsider, and why it’s good not to fit in. I love this site.
ADDitude Mag
(Easy*****)
For people with ADD / ADHD, so if you have this diagnosis, you’ll be right at home. But ADD or not, if you have trouble focusing and get easily distracted by your own brain some of these coping strategies might also help with your OE.
Reachout
(Easy ***)
Their mental health strategies are for teens and therefore, quick and easy to read through and implement, like these straight forward Self Help Strategies for Depression (which won’t cure your existential angst, but they’ll remind you of some easy ways to relax a little). Sometimes a simplified version of things is all you’ve got time (or the headspace) for.
American Psychological Association
(Medium***)
No shortage of articles on emotions, trauma, and other things you could very well use in your autopsychotherapy toolkit. Learning to cope with volatile emotions is also a good idea, especially when it comes to controlling your anger. Nothing corrodes relationships faster than a short fuse.