Scholarlink

<p>The decision to pursue physician-assisted dying can place a&#xa0;significant emotional burden on relatives. Despite the considerable psychosocial stress they often face, these individuals have received limited attention in research, clinical practice and ethical or societal debates surrounding this topic. This article provides an overview of the role of relatives in the context of physician-assisted dying.</p><p>Previous studies indicate that relatives are frequently confronted with moral dilemmas, ambivalent emotions and anticipatory grief. In addition, they often take on organisational responsibilities in support of the person wishing to die and may experience stigma and subsequent social isolation. Research also suggests that relatives and close friends are at increased risk for mental health challenges.</p><p>At the same time, certain aspects of the process, such as the opportunity to say goodbye, open communication and the active involvement of relatives, can have a&#xa0;positive effect and support a&#xa0;more adaptive grieving process. These findings highlight the importance of psychosocial support for relatives as well as the necessity of involving them at an early stage throughout the entire process.</p>

错误：搜索内容不能为空，请输入英文关键词
错误：关键词超出字数限制，请精简
高级检索

Die Rolle der Angehörigen im Kontext des assistierten Suizids: Herausforderungen und Unterstützungsbedarf

  • 期刊论文

  • 出版模式：

    开放获取

  • 发表日期：

    2026年2月9日

查看全文
  • Birgit Wagner,
  • Laura Hofmann

摘要

The decision to pursue physician-assisted dying can place a significant emotional burden on relatives. Despite the considerable psychosocial stress they often face, these individuals have received limited attention in research, clinical practice and ethical or societal debates surrounding this topic. This article provides an overview of the role of relatives in the context of physician-assisted dying.

Previous studies indicate that relatives are frequently confronted with moral dilemmas, ambivalent emotions and anticipatory grief. In addition, they often take on organisational responsibilities in support of the person wishing to die and may experience stigma and subsequent social isolation. Research also suggests that relatives and close friends are at increased risk for mental health challenges.

At the same time, certain aspects of the process, such as the opportunity to say goodbye, open communication and the active involvement of relatives, can have a positive effect and support a more adaptive grieving process. These findings highlight the importance of psychosocial support for relatives as well as the necessity of involving them at an early stage throughout the entire process.