[Link between depression and academic self-esteem in gifted children].

Introduction: Studies of the psychology of gifted children frequently refer to their relatively immature affective development in terms of their intellectual capacities and the relational difficulties they experience with regard to their peers, teachers, close acquaintances and sometimes their parents. From a psychopathological viewpoint, various types of problem have been observed such as depressive symptoms, motor instability coupled with hyperactivity, attentional deficits, impulsivity and a fall in self-esteem.

Objective: In this study, we wished to verify the links between self-esteem and psychopathological symptoms in these children.

[Guignol or the comedian's paradox].

Our study is based on a puppet theatre performed with a group of children aged from six to eight who were experiencing a neurotic context. Guignol's playing reveals anguishes and defensive mechanisms as well as, regarding the actors, the ability to experience the comedy with authenticity without forgetting it is imaginary. The puppet theatre has allowed us to progress in a therapeutic process while continuing diagnostic exploration.