Attitudes toward euthanasia: implications for social work practice.
This article reports the findings of a randomized general household survey that examined the attitudes of 618 Chinese respondents toward different types of euthanasia. The general public is found to agree with active euthanasia and non-voluntary euthanasia, but is neutral about passive euthanasia. Support for euthanasia is predicted by decreasing importance of religious belief, higher family income, experiences in taking care of terminally ill family members, being non-Protestants, and increasing age. Patients were perceived as the chief decision makers in euthanasian decisions. Finally, suggestions on social work practice and professional training are made.
Chong
Alice Ming-Lin
AM
Department of Applied Social Studies, College of Humanities and Social Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China. alice.chong@cityu.edu.hk
Fok
Shiu-Yeu
SY
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D001290:Attitude; D002681:China; D003469:Culture; D003657:Decision Making; D005065:Euthanasia / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012067:Religion; D012947:Social Work; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D055815:Young Adult