Using a systematic search strategy in which intellectual giftedness was operationalized in terms of IQ score, the authors examined evidence from studies reporting on associations between this aspect of giftedness and psychopathology. A total of 18 studies met the inclusion criteria: compared gifted (IQ = 125) and nongifted (IQ = 90-110) peers or…

This study compares facets of self-concept in gifted and non-identified Israeli adolescent students. The self-concept mean score profile of gifted vs. non-selected Israeli students was significantly different, with gifted students reporting higher mean levels of academic self-concept, but lower mean levels of social, personal, and physical…

An eclectic form of psychodynamic psychotherapy is presented to address the emotional problems of exceptionally and profoundly gifted adolescents and adults. The approach includes cognitive/behavioral techniques as well as psychologically informed mentoring, coaching, and advising. Once a psychodynamic formulation was established, it was used to…

John Stuart Mill was not allowed to decide his educational fate until his late teens, and after shedding the restrictions of his father's teaching methods, he began suffering severe emotional distress. His dilemma continues to face today's exceptionally able students' choice between unfettered intellectual development or inevitable biasing that…

Gifted adolescents, often perceived by others as being immune from problems of depression and emotional upheaval because of their high intelligence, have shown increases in suicidal behaviors. On the basis of current research, contends that gifted young people are especially susceptible to suicide attempts. Suggests intervention strategies to…

The article reviews incidence and reasons for suicide among adolescents and considers whether gifted students are predisposed to suicide. Clues to the suicide intention include talking about death and manifestations of depression. (CL)

Gifted adolescents (N=175) reported degree of loneliness to be a function of anger, depression, and stressful life changes. Furthermore, the most salient aspects of depression for predicting loneliness were helplessness, social introversion, and low self-esteem. The relationship between loneliness and depression suggests further evidence of a…

Discusses suicide among gifted and talented students from a multicultural perspective. Focuses on the role of family, school, community, and culture in suicide prevention. (DB)

This article recounts the case of a gifted French adolescent girl whose life, characterized by family problems and lack of support, resulted in her tragic suicide at the age of 17. (DB)

Forty managed care managers were surveyed concerning provision of mental health care in reimbursement for counseling of gifted children and families. Fourteen case managers were also interviewed. Results indicated that some case managers would approve reimbursement for problems resulting from giftedness whereas others would not. Criteria and…

Research on depression among gifted adolescent females is reviewed. A psychotherapeutic model drawing on established feminist therapy strategies is presented for counselors working with gifted adolescent females. The model emphasizes recognizing harmful effects of patriarchal society, supporting females in self-exploration, and pursuing nonsexist…

Discusses the types of problems faced by talented adolescents, including family and peer relations, biological and developmental issues, negative and harmful school culture, drug and alcohol abuse, inappropriate academic curriculum, underachievement, perfectionism, and stress. Strategies teachers can use to meet the socio-emotional needs of gifted…

This study examined the attitudes toward and knowledge about suicide of gifted and unselected high school students. A questionnaire was developed which included items about societal factors related to suicide, warning signs of suicide, general knowledge of and attitudes about suicide, personal knowledge about suicide, and the intervention strategy…

Differences in life-change events, life stress, depression, and suicide ideation were investigated in a mixed-ethnic sample of 34 gifted and 38 nongifted urban junior high school students. Suicide ideation was significantly and positively correlated both with level of depression and with levels of past and recent stress. Recent stress and use of…

This article reviews techniques such as bibliotherapy, positive self-talk, and self-concept activities useful in suicide prevention curricula for gifted students. A guidance program designed for the social and emotional needs of the gifted student is proposed, covering such issues as perfectionism, societal expectations, and premature or…