Comparison of Alexithymia and Quality of Life in Gifted and Non-gifted High School Students

Aim: With respect to the fact that students will undertake management in various areas of community in future, it seems necessary to recognize the issues influencing their emotions and expression. Therefore, the purpose of the present study is to investigate alexithymia and quality of life in normal and gifted high school students in Babol city during 2013.

Study Design: A cross-sectional study was conducted on high school students.

Place and Duration of Study: Four high schools of Babol city, between February and June 2013.

Methodology: 300 students (150 gifted and 150 normal) were randomly selected from two normal schools, two non-profit making schools, two public exemplary schools, and two gifted schools (males and females) in all grade levels (from first to fourth class) of high school. Using Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20) and quality of life questionnaire-short form, the sample was evaluated. Finally, to analyze the required data, MANOVA test was used through SPSS software.

Results: As the research findings revealed, gifted students differ from normal students in some psychological components since gifted students have lower alexithymia compared to normal students. However, regarding quality of life, there is no significant difference between quality of life among gifted and normal males and females.

Conclusion: Gifted students have lower alexithymia compared to normal students.