This essay deals with existential depression in adults and discusses helpful and unhelpful methods to handle it. According to James T. Webb, existential issues often stem from the attempt to comprehend oneself and the world, leading to feelings of aloneness and existential depression. These concerns are more prevalent among individuals with higher intelligence, who are inclined to question, analyze, and reflect. Gifted individuals are predisposed to existential distress due to their idealism and ability to envision possibilities. They observe discrepancies between their ideals and reality and feel limited in their capacity to effect change. They may challenge societal traditions, question human behavior, and express skepticism about the possibility of making a meaningful impact as individuals. These observations and concerns are frequently reported among gifted children and adults. From an early age, some gifted children, particularly those displaying exceptional aptitude, may grapple with existential issues and experience a sense of alienation from their peers. Their attempts to communicate their existential thoughts and concerns are often met with reactions that range from puzzlement to hostility. The act of raising such profound questions challenges conventional norms and may lead others to distance themselves from or reject these children. This reveals to the children that most of their peers do not share their concerns and are instead preoccupied with more immediate matters and conforming to societal expectations. Confronted with this realization, these gifted young individuals may experience internal conflict or discord with those around them.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Introduction
- Dabrowski's Theory on Existential Issues
- Dabrowski's Theory of Positive Disintegration
- The Importance of Socialization
- The Third Factor: Inner Force
- Primary and Secondary Integration
- Positive, Negative, Partial, and Global Disintegration
- The Existential Depression
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This work examines the phenomenon of existential depression in gifted adults, exploring its roots in Dabrowski's theory of positive disintegration and the unique challenges faced by individuals with high intellectual capacity.
- Existential depression and its prevalence among gifted individuals
- Dabrowski's theory of positive disintegration and its relevance to understanding existential issues
- The role of overexcitabilities in shaping the experiences of gifted individuals
- The impact of socialization and cultural influences on personal development
- The concept of the "third factor" and its contribution to self-determination and reintegration
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
- Introduction: This chapter sets the stage by introducing the concept of existential depression and its connection to intellectual giftedness. It highlights the unique challenges faced by gifted individuals in navigating their experiences, from childhood alienation to the complexities of forming meaningful relationships.
- Dabrowski's Theory on Existential Issues: This chapter delves into Kazimierz Dąbrowski's theory of positive disintegration, exploring its key concepts and their relevance to understanding existential depression in gifted individuals. It examines the role of overexcitabilities, the importance of socialization, and the concept of the "third factor" as drivers of personal growth.
- The Existential Depression: This chapter delves into the nature of existential depression, exploring its roots in personal experiences and the broader social context. It examines how family dynamics, personal values, and the process of individuation can contribute to feelings of existential distress.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
Existential depression, gifted individuals, positive disintegration, overexcitabilities, socialization, third factor, personal development, self-determination, reintegration, individuation, existential issues, intellectual giftedness, alienation, relationships.
- Quote paper
- Anna Giudice (Author), 2024, Existential Depression in Gifted Adults, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/1485700
