Attitudes of clinical psychologists and medical doctors to assisted dying in the UK

A mixed-methods survey

Bibliographic Data

ID12097653
AuthorsEmma Acford (0000-0002-7992-4016, University of Leicester, corresponding author), Alice Welham (0000-0002-5753-7269, University of Birmingham), Sarah Gunn (0000-0002-8492-060X, University of Leicester, corresponding author)
Year2025
Pages1-13
Publication date2025-09-13
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueDeath Studies (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0748-1187 • E-ISSN: 1091-7683
PublisherTaylor & Francis (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/07481187.2025.2556118
PMID40944604
OpenAlexW4414162421
LanguageEN
References cited25

If assisted dying (AD) were legalized in the UK, clinical psychologists (CPs) and medical doctors would very likely be involved in its processes. However, evidence around these professional groups' attitudes to AD is limited. To understand attitudes of UK-based CPs and medical doctors to AD, 347 CPs ( n = 292) and medical doctors ( n = 55) completed a survey on AD attitudes, psychological wellbeing, psychological flexibility and demographics, with additional open questions. CPs held significantly more favorable attitudes toward AD than doctors. A regression model for CP data including age, years qualified, psychological wellbeing, psychological flexibility, sex, religiosity and ethnicity significantly predicted AD attitudes. Thematic analysis of open questions developed five themes: conceptualizing AD; navigating eligibility and access; risk and regulation; societal reform and infrastructure; and professional roles and dilemmas. These findings emphasize key variables in supporting CPs and doctors to potentially work around AD, highlighting needs for informed discussions and robust support systems

Ethnic group · Flexibility (engineering · Medical decision making · Religiosity · Survey data collection · Thematic analysis · Ethics in medical practice · Palliative Care and End-of-Life Issues · Patient Dignity and Privacy

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