Date of Award
6-1994
Degree Name
Master of Arts
Department
Sociology
First Advisor
Dr. Thomas Van Valey
Access Setting
Masters Thesis-Open Access
Abstract
Replication of Monte's (1991) analysis of euthanasia and suicide correlates was the focus of this study. In addition, a right to die index was created and results were compared to the replication findings. The data used in the analyses were from the 1985 and 1991 General Social Surveys.
Cross-tabulation and multiple regression analysis were conducted to determine: (a) whether euthanasia and suicide approval increased significantly between 1985 and 1991, (b) which variables were significant predictors of euthanasia and suicide attitudes, (c) whether changes had occurred between 1985 and 1991, and (d) whether results obtained using the right to die index as the dependent variable differed from results of the replication.
Euthanasia and suicide approval increased significantly between 1985 and 1991. Attendance at religious services, race, and attitude toward suicide remained significant predictors of euthanasia attitudes in 1991. Age, attendance at religious services, education, and political identification remained significant predictors of suicide attitudes in 1991. Results using the right to die index as the dependent variable did not differ substantially from the results obtained from the replication.
Recommended Citation
Stankewicz, Thomas Melvin, "Attitudes toward Euthanasia and Suicide for the Terminally Ill: An Updated Analysis" (1994). Masters Theses. 4533.
https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/masters_theses/4533