Psychological issues in euthanasia, suicide, and assisted suicide

J Soc Issues. 1996 Summer;52(2):51-62. doi: 10.1111/j.1540-4560.1996.tb01567.x.

Abstract

This paper reviews various life-ending techniques such as euthanasia, suicide, and assisted suicide in order to better address the psychological issues related to these actions. Specific attention is paid to investigating when a death is deemed to be appropriate and the role that the level of appropriateness should play in the decisions of individuals to terminate a life. In addition, a number of additional psychological concepts such as locus of control and subjective norms are examined in terms of their importance for decisions regarding euthanasia and suicide.

MeSH terms

  • Attitude to Death
  • Counseling / ethics
  • Euthanasia, Active, Voluntary / ethics
  • Euthanasia, Active, Voluntary / psychology*
  • Humans
  • Personal Autonomy
  • Quality of Life
  • Suicide / ethics
  • Suicide / psychology*
  • Suicide Prevention
  • Suicide, Assisted