High Potential Individuals (HPI): Understanding a French Concept Through a UK Lens

Over the past few years, the idea of the “High Potential Individual” (often shortened to HPI, from the French Haut Potentiel Intellectuel) has gained significant attention. This is especially true in France, Belgium, and Canada, where books, podcasts, and therapists have explored what it means to be a person who “thinks differently.”

Here in the UK, the concept is less familiar. However, more and more people are starting to wonder: Could this explain the way I experience the world?

What Does “High Potential Individual” Mean?

In France, HPI usually describes people with unusually strong intellectual abilities, often measured by an IQ score above 130 on a standardised test like the WAIS-IV. But the idea goes beyond numbers. Many clinicians describe HPI individuals as people who:

• Think very quickly and make complex connections between ideas.

• Feel things deeply, with strong empathy, sensitivity, or emotional intensity.

• Have a rich inner world, full of curiosity and imagination.

• Can sometimes feel out of sync with others or struggle to find like-minded people.

• Often seek meaning and coherence in everything they do.

  
  

For some, discovering this profile brings relief. It provides a way to understand why they’ve always felt “different” or why ordinary life can sometimes feel flat or frustrating.

How Is HPI Identified?

Traditionally, identifying an HPI involves psychometric assessment with a trained psychologist. This usually includes:

• A standardised intelligence test (such as the WAIS-IV for adults or WISC-V for children).

• A clinical interview to explore learning history, emotional life, and self-perception.

• Questionnaires to understand mood, anxiety, and sensitivity.

  
  

In France, the assessment is often quite holistic. It looks not just at scores but at how a person thinks and feels.

In the UK, “HPI” is not a formal diagnostic category. Assessments for cognitive strengths and profiles are used to understand learning needs and can still be very useful for self-understanding and personal growth. It’s also important to remember that IQ tests, while standardised and widely used, have limitations. They measure certain types of reasoning and problem-solving but can overlook creativity, emotional insight, and contextual intelligence. Factors such as language, educational experience, and anxiety can all affect results.

For that reason, a comprehensive assessment should always include a qualitative understanding of how a person learns, relates, and makes sense of the world.

Why the Concept Can Be Helpful and Where to Be Careful

The idea of being “high potential” can be liberating for many people. It can explain experiences of:

• Feeling “too much”: too emotional, too curious, too intense.

• Boredom or frustration in conventional settings.

• A sense of loneliness or “not fitting in” despite good social skills.

• Feeling under-stimulated at work or in relationships.

  
  

At the same time, it’s important to understand that the term HPI is not a medical diagnosis. It’s one way, among many, to describe certain patterns of thinking and feeling. Some of the traits linked to HPI also overlap with anxiety, ADHD, or autism spectrum profiles.

That’s why an assessment, if you choose to have one, should always look at the whole person, not just test results.

The UK Perspective

In the UK, discussions around cognitive potential (and sometimes giftedness) tend to stay within educational or research settings. The French idea of HPI brings something new: a more emotional and existential dimension. It recognises that being bright or sensitive isn’t always easy. It can come with intense self-questioning, perfectionism, and even burnout.

For psychologists, this opens up valuable space for conversation: How do we help people who think deeply and feel deeply to live with ease, authenticity, and balance?

Beyond Diagnosis: Understanding Cognitive Style and Connection

One of the interesting things about the HPI framework is that it moves us away from a focus on diagnosis and toward a focus on cognitive style — on how a person’s mind naturally processes the world.

Whether or not someone meets any formal diagnostic criteria, having a particularly active, fast, or complex way of thinking can deeply influence:

• Attention and focus: switching quickly between ideas, noticing many things at once, or finding it hard to stay engaged when something feels repetitive or lacks meaning.

• Relationships: feeling deeply connected to others yet easily overstimulated or disappointed by superficial interactions.

• Reciprocity and communication: wanting conversations that feel authentic and mutual, but sometimes struggling when others don’t share the same depth or intensity.

  
  

Seen through this lens, “high potential” isn’t about labels. It’s about understanding the unique rhythms of one’s mind and learning how those rhythms affect connection, empathy, and belonging.

Exploring these patterns can help people develop not just insight but also practical strategies for balance. This includes learning how to sustain attention, navigate emotional sensitivity, and build relationships that feel truly reciprocal.

If You Recognise Yourself in This...

If you’ve come across the term HPI in a book, podcast, or social media, and feel it might describe you, it can be worth exploring in a safe, professional setting. An assessment or reflective consultation can help you:

• Understand your cognitive and emotional patterns.

• Identify areas of strength and vulnerability.

• Explore what helps you thrive, both intellectually and emotionally.

  
  

Whether or not you “fit” the HPI profile, this process can offer insight, validation, and practical ways to navigate life with greater self-awareness.

Final Thoughts

At its best, the HPI idea invites us to appreciate the diversity of human intelligence and emotion. It’s about understanding the unique ways people experience the world. If you’ve ever felt like your mind runs a little faster, your feelings go a little deeper, or your curiosity never switches off, the HPI framework might offer a new lens worth exploring.

Exploring Further: Resources and Support

If you find yourself resonating with the concept of HPI, consider seeking out resources that can further your understanding. Books, podcasts, and online communities can provide valuable insights.

Additionally, professional support from a therapist who understands the nuances of HPI can be incredibly beneficial. They can help you navigate your unique experiences and develop strategies for a fulfilling life.

Remember, you are not alone in this journey. Many others share similar experiences and feelings. Connecting with them can provide a sense of belonging and understanding.

---

If you are looking for more information on this topic, you might find it helpful to explore this resource. It offers a wealth of knowledge and insights that can aid your journey.