Public Approval of Suicide: A Situational Analysis

Abstract

Using four national surveys conducted in 1977, 1978, 1982, and 1983, this study examined public opinions on suicide in four situations: incurable disease, bankruptcy, family dishonor, and being tired of living. The results indicated that suicide in case of incurable disease was approved by slightly less than 43%, being tired of living by about 13%, and the other two situations by 7%. It was found that respondents with attributes of higher education, lower religiosity, and higher commitment to freedom of expression were more likely to consider suicide as acceptable. Future implications for research suggest not only an assessment of attitudes toward suicide in different situational contexts, but also assessment of individual intentions for the situations considered in this study.

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