title: Empirically based criteria for rational suicide: a survey of psychotherapists.
abstract: This qualitative study was designed to develop a set of empirically based criteria for rational suicide by asking psychotherapists to define "rational suicide." Data analysis revealed three components of a rational suicide: (1) the presence of an unremittingly hopeless condition (eight examples provided), (2) a suicidal decision made as a free choice, and (3) the presence of an informed decision-making process (five elements listed). It is suggested that the criteria may possibly be used in assessing the rationality of suicidal clients.
authors.affiliation: Department of Counseling and Counseling Psychology, Auburn University, USA.
authors.forename: J L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Werth
authors.forename: D C
authors.initials: DC
authors.lastname: Cobia
mesh_terms: D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D003657:Decision Making; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D016743:Mental Competency; D011340:Problem Solving; D011613:Psychotherapy; D011908:Rationalization; D013405:Suicide / Q000523:psychology*; D000092864:Suicide Prevention