K. Anders Ericcsson's publication The Role of Deliberate Practice in the Acquisition of Expert Performance sought to identify the reasons behind the extraordinary abilities of select individuals. It first debunks that the exceptional abilities possessed by these individuals is solely as a result of genetics. Besides the amount of hours and time that a person spends practicing the activity; he mentions the importance of parental support to the honing and development of skill in the particular activity. This parental support may not only be for biological parents but also teachers and other influential adults in the child's life who provide motivation and further avenues for the child to develop their talent in the activity. He states "...We also recognize that being told by parents and teachers that they are talented, that is, genetically endowed with unusual gifts, most likely increases motivation, boosts self-confidence, and protects young performers against doubts about eventual success during the ups and downs of the extended preparation." (p. 399)
