“Existential Depression in Gifted Children and Adults ”

presented by James T. Webb, Ph.D.

Gifted children and adults are prone to existential depression because of their intensity, sensitivity, and idealism, and because they can see the inconsistencies in the values and behaviors of others around them. In their search for meaning, gifted children are likely to question traditions, particularly those that seem meaningless or unfair- but this prompts others to withdraw from or reject them. As a result, gifted children feel alone in an absurd, arbitrary, and meaningless world where they also feel powerless to change that world.

This workshop describes processes that lead to existential depression, relates these to Dabrowski’s theory of Positive Disintegration, as well as to other psychological theories, and offers some specific ways to ameliorate existential depression.
Sign Up Now

About James T. Webb, Ph.D.

James T. Webb, Ph.D., the founder of SENG (Supporting Emotional Needs of Gifted Children), has been recognized as one of the 25 most influential psychologists nationally on gifted education. The lead author of five books and several DVDs about gifted children, Dr. Webb served on the Board of Directors for the National Association for Gifted Children. In 2010, he received the prestigious Ruth A. Martinson Past-Presidents’ Award from the California Association for Gifted.