Objective: The idea that humans have the right to terminate their own life in order to avoid endless pain and suffering has a long history. Previous research has highlighted the complex relationship between mental health indicators and attitudes towards euthanasia. In addition, religious beliefs, socio-demographic factors and moral values play an important role in shaping attitudes towards euthanasia.
Aim: The aim of this study was to find out how suicide ideation, mental and physical health indicators, as well as socio-demographic factors influence attitudes towards euthanasia in the Slovenian general population.
Methods: The sample consisted of 737 participants (53.3 % men) aged 18 years and older (M = 52.95; SD = 15.09). We used two items to measure attitudes towards euthanasia (a more general item referring to terminally ill people, and an item with a different perspective, referring to a loved one who is terminally ill). Participants completed a series of questionnaires related to health and well-being (WHO-5, WHOQOL-BREF), loneliness (6-item DJG), and suicidality (PSS).
Results: Approximately 9.8 % of the participants rejected active euthanasia, regardless of the item formulation. Multinomial logistic regression analyses for general attitudes showed that individuals with better physical health, better well-being and men are less likely to support euthanasia, while a positive perception of one's environment increases the likelihood of support. In the context of a loved one’s terminal illness better psychological health decreases the likelihood of supporting euthanasia, while men are less likely than women to show support. Additionally, those with better well-being and those recently bereaved are significantly less supportive of euthanasia for their loved ones.
Conclusions: As society is confronted with the sensitive balance between living and letting go, it is important to integrate empirical findings into the ethical discourse on euthanasia. Our study sheds light on the factors that influence attitudes towards euthanasia and calls on health professionals, policy makers and society to aim for care strategies that are in line with individuals' wishes for quality of life and dignity in death.