Psychological issues in euthanasia, suicide, and assisted suicide

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Medical Ethics
• Thanatology

Background:

• Life-ending decisions involve complex psychological factors.
• Understanding the appropriateness of death is crucial in end-of-life discussions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review psychological issues associated with euthanasia, suicide, and assisted suicide.
• To investigate the concept of an appropriate death and its influence on life-ending decisions.
• To examine psychological concepts like locus of control and subjective norms in relation to these decisions.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of psychological studies.
• Analysis of concepts related to end-of-life decision-making.

Main Results:

• Psychological factors significantly influence decisions regarding euthanasia and suicide.
• The perception of an 'appropriate death' plays a role in individual choices.
• Locus of control and subjective norms are important considerations.

Conclusions:

• Addressing psychological aspects is vital for understanding life-ending choices.
• Further research into the 'appropriateness of death' can inform ethical and clinical practice.
• Psychological frameworks offer valuable insights into euthanasia and suicide decisions.