Gifted Individuals and Suicide: A Literature Review Study

Abstract

Introduction: In the case of suicide, which means ending life by the self, the situation is difficult to understand. It is important to know that the approaches about suicide regarding gifted individuals due to their different characteristics from peers. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the studies in the literature in order to understand the suicide phenomenon in terms of gifted people. Method: In this context, studies that include the words suicide and gifted in the title without any limitation in terms of the year were examined by searching the YOK thesis center, SCOPUS, ERIC, WOS and ULAKBIM databases through document analysis method. Findings: According to the qualitative findings, the meaning of the suicide phenomenon, factors directly related to giftedness and personal factors should be carefully considered as warning signs for the suicide of gifted individuals. In order to prevent it, the necessity of effective evaluation, a reassuring environment, awareness raising activities for stakeholders and gifted individuals come to the fore. Discussion: There was not enough experimental evidence to make a clear distinction between the perspectives of gifted and typically developing individuals towards suicide. However, related studies indicated that gifted individuals faced with more risk factors. Gifted individuals may be affected by both the general risk factors that typically developing individuals may suffer from, and the negative factors that may occur due to their giftedness. Accordingly, the study provides information and suggestions that can help families, peers, teachers and administrators.