Death with dignity: Individual differences and third-person perceptions of physician-assisted death in the United States

Abstract

We examined third-person perceptions of physician-assisted death (PAD; i.e., ingesting prescribed medications with the intent to die) within the US, which may be available to people with terminal illnesses (i.e., those diagnosed with a medical condition that is expected to cause death within six months). We also measured how several individual differences associated with social reputation (e.g., Masculine Honor Beliefs) and existential beliefs (e.g., Free Will Beliefs) related to perceptions using an online sample from the US. On average, participants had favorable attitudes toward PAD and people who pursue it. Mental health issues and physical health issues were perceived as the weakest and strongest PAD motivators, respectively. Participants tended to perceive PAD as differing from traditional suicide (e.g., PAD as more understandable, more autonomous, less stigmatizing) and the majority thought terminal illness should be listed as the cause of death. In terms of individual differences, Masculine Honor Beliefs and Free Will Beliefs were associated with less favorable attitudes toward PAD whereas Suicide Acceptability was associated with more favorable attitudes toward PAD. Fear of Death had more nuanced relationships. This research has implications for understanding attitudes toward body autonomy and personality variables that contribute to them within the US.