Gifted students’ purpose in life

Abstract

The aim of the present study is to determine gifted students’ purpose in life via interview in Turkey. Looking at the world population, it is seen that the proportion of gifted children is 2.5-3%. This rate does not change according to the countries of the world. Detection of gifted students is difficult and specific. Gifted students are placed in minority groups in the countries they are in. The present study conducted semi-structured interviews with 5 female and 5 male students between the ages of 13-16. The interview questions were created based on the “Youth Purpose Project Interview”. The students were also given an additional, short information form that comprised of age and gender. Phenomenological design was used as a qualitative research method. The results of this study revealed that gifted students have goals of career-family and economic power listed under the title of future expectations. It also revealed that they attach importance to societal good and being beneficial to the society in terms of a long-term purpose. Additionally, it was revealed that purpose is directly linked with happiness. Implications of these results are discussed in light of the literature and suggestions are presented. © 2018 by authors, all rights reserved.