Rational Suicide?: Implications for Mental Health Professionals / Edition 1

by James L. Werth Jr.

Overview

The idea that suicide may be an acceptable, rational option is rarely presented in professional literature. However, recent events and developments forcefully demonstrate that mental health professionals can no longer ignore the possibility that people can make a rational decision to die. After introducing the concept of rational suicide, the book explores the changing views of suicide over the centuries. Common arguments against rational suicide are examined and rebutted.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781560324508
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	02/01/1996
Series:	Death, Education, Aging and Health Care
Pages:	172
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x (d)

About the Author

James L. Werth Counseling and Psychological Services University of Arkansas

Table of Contents

Chapter 1 Introduction to Rational Suicide; Chapter 2 The History of Suicide; Chapter 3 Arguments Against Rational Suicide; Chapter 4 Research on Mental Health Professionals’ Attitudes; Chapter 5 Criteria for Rational Suicide; Chapter 6 Additional Considerations: Necessary Research, Prejudice, and Values; Chapter 7 Ethical and Legal Implications; Chapter 8 Conclusions and Predictions;

Editorial Reviews

In light of the debate over death-with-dignity, takes the premises that suicide is a rational choice for some people; that the current medical, legal, and ethical standards do not account for that; and that mental health professionals need to develop guidelines for decision making about suicide. Discusses the history of attitudes, arguments for and against it, mental- health research, criteria, ethical and legal implications, and predictions. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

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