Category: Health Psychology / Behavioral Medicine - Adult
Jonathan Singer, Ph.D.
Visiting Assistant Professor
Texas Tech University
Lubbock, Texas
Elizabeth Loggers, M.D., Ph.D.
University of Washington School of Medicine
Seattle, Washington
Jonathan Singer, Ph.D.
Visiting Assistant Professor
Texas Tech University
Lubbock, Texas
Elisabeth McLean, PhD
Doctoral student
Texas Tech University
Lubbock, Texas
Courtney Daum, B.S.
Clinical Research Coordinator
University of Washington, Seattle
Seattle, Washington
Elizabeth Loggers, M.D., Ph.D.
University of Washington School of Medicine
Seattle, Washington
Medical aid in dying (MAID) allows terminally ill patients to make a voluntary, informed decision to obtain a physician’s prescription for oral medications to end their life. MAID is legal in 11 states in the U.S., representing 72 million people (or 22% of the US population). It is estimated that over 200 million people globally now have access to MAID and, in most countries where MAID is legal, public opinion is overwhelmingly in support. However, public opinion in the U.S. remains divided, with 46% of the population against MAID. Common arguments against MAID include the belief that it is a traumatic loss, immoral and may result in negative outcomes for the bereaved family member. Consequently, individuals engaging in MAID in the U.S. and their loved ones may fear being stigmatized by others. However, there is a lack of understanding whether public stigma even exists towards bereaved individuals whose loved one engages in MAID. This symposium aims to bridge that gap by discussing the relationship between MAID perceived stigma, public stigma, and bereavement outcomes in four separate studies. This symposium starts out presenting the results of a systematic review that addresses the impact of a loved one engaging in MAID on the mental health of family members and describes a theoretical model in which perceived and public stigma are related to bereavement outcomes. The second presentation describes two separate vignette studies that evaluate public stigma towards bereaved individuals whose family member died of a life limiting illness compared to those whose family member died via MAID. The third talk discusses differences in the MAID process for those with a history of mental health conditions and those without a mental health diagnosis. More specifically, this talk aims to describe the role of stigma towards individuals who have a mental health condition and want to engage in MAID and how such stigma may contribute to additional barriers (e.g., full psychological evaluation) prior to engaging in MAID. Lastly, we present results of an institutional survey and state-wide survey of Advanced Practice Providers and their views about and willingness to participate in MAID, while highlighting Advanced Practice Providers’ perceptions of stigma and the importance of colleague and institutional support in deciding whether to participate in MAID. Overall, this symposium will highlight the need for prospective studies examining patients prior to their use of MAID, as well as studies of their family members before and after the death of their loved one. This symposium will also provide a greater understanding of perceived and actual stigma from the general public, healthcare institutions, and medical professionals. Lastly, each talk will discuss clinicians’ (e.g., social worker; psychologists, medical providers) role in reducing both perceived and public stigma toward MAID.
Presenter: Jonathan Singer, Ph.D. – Texas Tech University
Co-author: amelia Evans, MA – Texas Tech University
Co-author: Margaret Vugrin, MA – Texas Tech University Health Science Center
Presenter: Elisabeth McLean, PhD – Texas Tech University
Co-author: Jonathan Singer, Ph.D. – Texas Tech University
Presenter: Courtney Daum, B.S. – University of Washington, Seattle
Co-author: Elizabeth Loggers, M.D., Ph.D. – University of Washington School of Medicine
Presenter: Elizabeth Loggers, M.D., Ph.D. – University of Washington School of Medicine