End-of-life preferences: a theory-driven inventory.
The study aimed at making a theory-driven inventory of end-of-life preferences. Participants were asked about a variety of preferences representing all eight motivational states described in Apter's Metamotivational Theory (AMT; Apter, 2001). Data from a convenience sample of 965 community participants and a convenience sample of 81 persons suffering from a terminal illness were examined using exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis. Ten factors were evidenced; they were easily interpretable in the AMT framework. In decreasing order of importance, people would, at the time of their death, like to have an understanding doctor, to be at peace with themselves, to remain autonomous, to keep a sense of humor, to remain able to oppose any decision taken without their consent, to remain an object of love, to remain a reference for others, to have resolved conflicts with others, to leave their businesses in good order, and to find themselves at peace with God.
Bonin-Scaon
Sylvie
S
Institute of Advanced Studies (EPHE), France.
Sastre
María Teresa Muñoz
MT
Chasseigne
Gérard
G
Sorum
Paul C
PC
Mullet
Etienne
E
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001293:Attitude to Death; D004522:Educational Status; D004645:Empathy; D005163:Factor Analysis, Statistical; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010166:Palliative Care / Q000379:methods / Q000523:psychology*; D026684:Personal Autonomy; D011788:Quality of Life; D012067:Religion; D012737:Sex Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013727:Terminal Care / Q000379:methods / Q000523:psychology*; D055815:Young Adult