Citation

Werth JL, Cobia DC. Suicide Life Threat. Behav. 1995; 25(2): 231-240.

Affiliation

Department of Counseling and Counseling Psychology, Auburn University, USA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1995, American Association of Suicidology, Publisher John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

7570784

Abstract

This qualitative study was designed to develop a set of empirically based criteria for rational suicide by asking psychotherapists to define "rational suicide." Data analysis revealed three components of a rational suicide: (1) the presence of an unremittingly hopeless condition (eight examples provided), (2) a suicidal decision made as a free choice, and (3) the presence of an informed decision-making process (five elements listed). It is suggested that the criteria may possibly be used in assessing the rationality of suicidal clients.