Factors that influence consideration of hastening death among people with life-threatening illnesses

Although the debate about whether an individual with a life-threatening illness should have the right to hasten his or her death continues, few researchers have examined why someone might consider such an option. This study examined factors that contribute to consideration of hastening death among people with life-threatening illnesses. A discriminant function analysis was conducted to determine what factors distinguished between people who had self-identified as either contemplating or not contemplating hastening their deaths. Of the variables examined, depression, social support, and hope distinguished between the two groups. Pain and anxiety appeared to play no role in distinguishing between the two groups. The results are presented and implications for social work practice and research are discussed.