Older adults' views on euthanasia
Date
2001-03
Authors
Nortje, Nico
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University
Abstract
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The purpose of this study was to determine the attitudes older adults (65 years and older)
have towards euthanasia. The subjects of the study were people 65 years of age and older
who reside in homes for the aged within the Cape Metropolis. An equal number of
subjects from the African, Coloured and European communities were randomly selected.
A biographical questionnaire as well as the Euthanasia Attitude Scale and the Purpose In
Life Test, were administered. The influence of four variables were focused on, namely
age, ethnicity, meaning in life and health. Pearson correlation coefficient analysis and
one-way ANOV A analysis were used. Ethnicity, meaning in life and health were not
found to have a significant correlation with euthanasia. Age was the only variable found
to have a significant correlation with euthanasia. The findings were discussed and certain
recommendations were made.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die doel van die studie was om vas te stel wat die houding van ouer volwassenes (65 jaar en ouer) is ten opsigte van genadedood. Die proefpersone was almalouer as 65 jaar en woonagtig in ouetehuise binne die Kaapse Metropool. 'n Gelyke aantal proefpersone van die Afrika, Kleurling en Europese gemeenskappe is willekeurig gekies. 'n Biografiese vraelys, asook die "Euthanasia Attitude Scale" en "Purpose In Life Test", is gebruik. Die invloed van vier veranderlikes, naamlik: ouderdom, kultuur, betekenis in die lewe en gesondheid, is ondersoek. Pearson korrelasionele koëffisiënt en een-rigting ANOV A ontledings is gebruik. Etnisiteit, betekenis in die lewe en gesondheid het nie beduidend met genadedood gekorreleer nie, ouderdom was die enigste veranderlike wat beduidend met genadedood gekorreleer het. Die bevindinge is bespreek en sekere aanbevelings is gemaak.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die doel van die studie was om vas te stel wat die houding van ouer volwassenes (65 jaar en ouer) is ten opsigte van genadedood. Die proefpersone was almalouer as 65 jaar en woonagtig in ouetehuise binne die Kaapse Metropool. 'n Gelyke aantal proefpersone van die Afrika, Kleurling en Europese gemeenskappe is willekeurig gekies. 'n Biografiese vraelys, asook die "Euthanasia Attitude Scale" en "Purpose In Life Test", is gebruik. Die invloed van vier veranderlikes, naamlik: ouderdom, kultuur, betekenis in die lewe en gesondheid, is ondersoek. Pearson korrelasionele koëffisiënt en een-rigting ANOV A ontledings is gebruik. Etnisiteit, betekenis in die lewe en gesondheid het nie beduidend met genadedood gekorreleer nie, ouderdom was die enigste veranderlike wat beduidend met genadedood gekorreleer het. Die bevindinge is bespreek en sekere aanbevelings is gemaak.
Description
Thesis (M.A.)--Stellenbosch University, 2001.
Keywords
Euthanasia -- Elderly, Euthanasia -- Moral and ethical aspects, Euthanasia -- Social aspects, Right to die, Euthanasia -- Religious aspects, Euthanasia -- Law and legislation, Euthanasia -- Ethnic group