Factors Associated With University Students' Attitude Toward Euthanasia. (May 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Saadeh, Rami; Banat, Amani; AbuZeina, Dalia; Al-Bourini, Tasneem; Abdelqader, Eman; Alrabadi, Nasr; Alfaqih, Mahmoud A.; Allouh, Mohammed Z.
• Is Part Of: Omega. Volume 87:Number 1(2023)
• Page Start: 20
• Page End: 37
• Publication Date: 2023-05
• Subjects: euthanasia -- attitude toward euthanasia -- religion; Death -- Psychological aspects -- Periodicals; Bereavement -- Psychological aspects -- Periodicals; Death -- Social aspects -- Periodicals; Suicide -- Periodicals; 306.9
• DOI: 10.1177/00302228211016219
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0030-2228

Abstract

Although euthanasia has been practiced for thousands of years, a wide controversy still exists around it. This study aimed to assess the attitude of university students toward euthanasia and its associated factors. The study included an online self-administered survey. Survey questions consisted of demographic information, psychological condition, and attitude toward euthanasia. A total of 1, 188 students participated in the study. Approximately only one-third of the respondents (34.1%) viewed euthanasia as a moral practice, and just one-quarter (25.3%) supported legalizing it. The main reason for not supporting euthanasia was religious considerations (72.2%), followed by moral considerations (46.5%). Factors that predicted a positive attitude toward euthanasia (p < .05) included undefined religion, being male, feeling lonely, or having suicidal thoughts. Conclusively, the negative attitude toward euthanasia is primarily driven by religious beliefs. Furthermore, gender and psychological status play critical roles in students' attitudes toward euthanasia.