Euthanasia Acceptance as Related to Afterlife Belief and Other Attitudes

Abstract

In recent years, euthanasia has become a topic of increased concern. Predictions were made regarding the relationship between attitudes toward euthanasia and various other attitudinal components of death and dying. Information on these attitudes was obtained from fixed-schedule interviews gathered from 331 respondents in Lubbock, Texas. It was found that a favorable attitude toward euthanasia coincided with (1) belief in an afterlife, (2) a less favorable attitude toward euthanasia if relatives make the decision, and (3) younger respondents. Additionally, belief in an afterlife was related to preference for death by natural causes. Other predictions were not verified. The implications of these results are discussed.