Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 7, 2025
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Setup and Execution of the Rapid Cycle Deliberate Practice Death Notification Curriculum
Published on: August 5, 2020
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What If Deliberately Dying Is an Occupation?
Manon Guay1, Marie-Josée Drolet2, Nicolas Kühne3
1Manon Guay, OT, PhD, is Associate Professor, School of Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada; Manon.Guay@USherbrooke.ca.
Summary
Deliberately dying can be viewed as a purposeful occupation for some individuals. This perspective offers new insights for occupational science and therapy practice, addressing end-of-life occupational needs.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Science
- Occupational Therapy
Background:
- Some individuals plan and execute their own death under specific legal and societal conditions.
- Existing definitions of occupation may not fully encompass the act of deliberately ending one's life.
Purpose of the Study:
- To critically reflect on how deliberately ending one's life aligns with the concept of occupation.
- To explore the implications of viewing deliberate death as a purposeful occupation within occupational science and therapy.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and theoretical reflection.
- Analysis through the lens of occupational science and occupational therapy.
Main Results:
- Deliberately dying can be conceptualized as a purposeful and meaningful occupation for certain individuals.
- This reframing has significant implications for occupational therapy practice.
Conclusions:
- Occupational therapy should consider the occupational needs of those choosing to end their lives.
- Advocacy for occupational justice in end-of-life choices and ethical considerations are crucial.
- Further dialogue is needed within occupational science and therapy regarding deliberate death as an occupation.
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