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Understanding Suicidal Behavior of Gifted Students: Theory, Factors, and Cultural Expectations

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International Handbook on Giftedness

Abstract

The dramatic increase in the rate of youth suicide in the United States, including suicide among gifted adolescents, emphasizes the need for more research in this area. The literature on suicide among gifted adolescents is examined following a review of the literature on the incidence and causes of suicide in the general population. The literature on the possible vulnerability to suicide among gifted adolescents is explored through a focus on the social and emotional issues faced by gifted adolescent males and females. An examination of the literature on the proneness of gifted adolescents to suicide highlights the difficulties in obtaining conclusive results. More research on the possible correlations between the unique difficulties experienced by gifted youth and a propensity for suicide is needed.

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Hyatt, L.A., Cross, T.L. (2009). Understanding Suicidal Behavior of Gifted Students: Theory, Factors, and Cultural Expectations. In: Shavinina, L.V. (eds) International Handbook on Giftedness. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4020-6162-2_25

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