The role of the psychologist in determining competence for assisted suicide/euthanasia in the terminally ill

Galbraith, Kim M.; Dobson, Keith S.

doi:10.1037/h0086867

Cited by 23Palliative and Oncologic CarePalliative Care and End-of-Life IssuesHealthcare Decision-Making and Restraints

The role of the psychologist in determining competence for assisted suicide/euthanasia in the terminally ill

Galbraith, Kim M., Dobson, Keith S.·2000·Canadian Psychology/Psychologie canadienne

DOI 10.1037/h0086867

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Abstract

This paper discusses the history of assisted suicide/euthanasia and public attitudes in Canada; discusses depression in the terminally ill and the potential role of the psychologist in the assisted suicide/euthanasia process; and specifically addresses the importance of determining competence in terminally ill patients. One area in which the services of psychologists have not been used to their fullest potential is in the care of the terminally ill, particularly in helping them make end-of-life decisions. It is very important that individuals making end-of-life decisions be used to assessed for mental disorders in order to ensure that they are able to make competent decisions. If assisted suicide and euthanasia were to become legalized, psychologists should be involved in the assessment process in order to determine competency.

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Literature on participatory ethics emphasises that the voices of patients and families should be actively incorporated into the development and evaluation of MAiD MD-SUMC protocols.
“Literature on participatory ethics emphasises that the voices of patients and families should be actively incorporated into the development and evaluation of MAiD MD-SUMC protocols.”
From Medical Assistance in Dying for the Sole Underlying Condition of Mental Disorder (MAiD MD-SUMC): an analysis and qualitative evidence synthesis (2026) · cites this paper as [64]

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Authors: Galbraith, K. M., & Dobson, K. S.
Affiliations: University of Calgary (CA)
ORCID: Dobson, Keith S.
Venue: Canadian Psychology/Psychologie canadienne
Publisher: American Psychological Association (APA)
Published: 2000-08
Volume: 41
Issue: 3
Pages: 174-183
ISSN: 0708-5591 (ISSN-L)
1878-7304
DOI: 10.1037/h0086867
OpenAlex: W2007417234
Cited by: 23
References: 51
Citations by year: 2026: 1 · 2025: 2 · 2022: 1 · 2021: 2 · 2020: 1 · 2019: 4 · 2018: 2 · 2017: 1 · 2016: 1 · 2015: 1 · 2014: 2
FWCI: 0.00
Type: journal article
Language: en
Open access: closed
Locations: Canadian Psychology/Psychologie canadienne (publishedVersion)
PubMed (publishedVersion)
DigitalGeorgetown (Georgetown University Library) (submittedVersion)
Topics: Health Sciences › Medicine › Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health › Palliative and Oncologic Care
Health Sciences › Medicine › Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health › Palliative Care and End-of-Life Issues
Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Healthcare Decision-Making and Restraints
Keywords: assisted suicide, euthanasia, competency assessment, dying patients, end-of-life decisions, depression, psychologist role, mental illness, legalization of euthanasia, public attitudes, history of euthanasia, Canada
MeSH terms: Attitude of Health Personnel, Canada, Culture, Depressive Disorder, Humans, Psychology, Public Opinion, Public Policy, Right to Die, Mental Competency, Suicide, Assisted, Practice Guidelines as Topic, Terminally Ill, Professional Role, Euthanasia, Active, Voluntary

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The role of the psychologist in determining competence for assisted suicide/euthanasia in the terminally ill

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