Citation

Niederjohn DM, Rogers DT. J. Forensic Psychol. Pract. 2009; 9(1): 70-81.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2009, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/15228930802427114

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Recent literature has emphasized the important role psychologists can play in evaluating patients' competency and decision-making processes in cases of assisted suicide. It is often assumed that psychologists will be objective when conducting evaluations or that current training standards will neutralize potential sources of bias. Yet, providing service to patients who are seeking an assisted suicide may give rise to a number of relational and intrapsychic issues that could influence the evaluation process and its outcomes. In this commentary, we argue that psychologists should not be involved in cases of assisted suicide until they are adequately trained to be cognizant of the psychodynamic issues, particularly their own countertransference, that are likely to emerge within this unique clinical situation. We offer suggestions for augmenting previously recommended training procedures to account for these issues.

Language: en

Keywords

human; law; Decision making; Countertransference; decision making; assisted suicide; forensic psychiatry; euthanasia; mental health service; psychodynamics; note; practice guideline; legal aspect; patient attitude; psychologist; Assisted suicide; End of life; professional competence; professional development; Intrapsychic