Suicide and the Gifted Adolescent

Abstract

This preliminary study examines factors in suicidal behaviors among gifted adolescents. Surveys were sent to school counselors in 129 high schools representing districts with a broad ethnic base. Information regarding any suicide-related occurrence was requested without any specific reference to the gifted being made. From a total student population of 40,805, there were 42 reports of suicide-related occurrences. Adolescents identified as gifted comprised 19% of these occurrences, or eight cases. Of the eight, five were reported as gifted underachievers, two were in advanced placement classes, and two were in programs formally designated as gifted programs. None was a completed suicide. Variables considered in this study included sex, race, family status, extracurricular activity, nature of the attempt, and whether students were receiving professional help or had talked to friends about suicide. The conclusion is that, although these preliminary findings must be viewed with caution, they appear to support the mounting concern regarding suicide among gifted youth.

An examination of the literature base on the suicidal behaviors of gifted students

“…Therefore, the above has been applied to gifted populations even though the samples of these studies were not clearly identified as gifted. Research (Baker, 1995;Cross et al, 1996;Harkavy & Asnis, 1985;Hayes & Sloat, 1990;Seibel & Murray, 1988) concerning suicide among the gifted has been more recent.…”

“…H ayes and Sloat (1990) examined the prevalence of suicide among the gifted and studied attempted and completed suicide among 69 schools in a four county area. These authors found that 19% (or eight cases) of the 42 reports of suicide-related occurrences were among gifted students.…”

Adolescents with Learning Disabilities at Risk? Emotional Well-Being, Depression, Suicide

“…Obviously, this variable selection process was somewhat arbitrary-we could have chosen other variables, such as behavior problems or social relationships, for inclusion here. However, some limitations were necessary, and we selected these five variables for review because various researchers studying depression and suicide among nondisabled populations have suggested that relationships may exist among them (Hayes & Sloat, 1990;Peck, 1985).…”

Gifted students at risk for suicide

“…Harkavy and Asnis (1985), however, have pointed out a stronger link in their survey of 382 adolescents in a high school for gifted students, in which they found that almost 9% reported having made at least one suicide attempt. Hayes and Sloat (1989) found that nearly 19% of suicide-related occurrences (documented as confirmed or probable suicides or attempts) reported by counselors in a survey involved students of high ability. These figures may not easily be compared with those for typical populations because of the wide range of criteria used in defining giftedness and descriptive information used in reporting suicides and attempts.…”