Understanding the Experiences and Support Needs of Close Relatives in Psychiatric Euthanasia Trajectories

A Qualitative Exploration

Bibliographic Data

ID4644465
AuthorsSara Helinck (Independent Researcher, Ghent, Belgium), Monica Verhofstadt (0000-0002-6623-7444, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) & Ghent University, End-of-Life Care Research Group, Brussels, Belgium, corresponding author), Kenneth Chambaere (0000-0001-6277-072X, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) & Ghent University, End-of-Life Care Research Group, Brussels, Belgium), Koen Pardon (0000-0002-0571-709X, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) & Ghent University, End-of-Life Care Research Group, Brussels, Belgium)
Year2025
Volume35
Issue1
Pages56-73
Publication date2025-01-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueQualitative Health Research (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1049-7323 • E-ISSN: 1552-7557
PublisherSAGE Publications Inc (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1177/10497323241237459
PMID39092519
OpenAlexW4401271560
LanguageEN
Citations received2
References cited29

In Belgium, adults with psychiatric disorders can opt for euthanasia under strict conditions. The impact of these euthanasia trajectories on close relatives remains insufficiently studied. This research is the first in Belgium to explore the concrete experiences and support needs of relatives involved in psychiatric-based euthanasia trajectories by means of an in-depth interview study. The interviews with 18 relatives were conducted from March to May 2023 and analyzed using inductive thematic coding. The results reveal the complex and ambivalent emotional and cognitive experiences among relatives. Experiences with euthanasia trajectories varied from positive to negative, marked by shared feelings of surrealism and unreality. This included the farewell process that relatives go through, regardless of whether euthanasia was carried out. While the desired level of involvement varied, everyone sought some degree of recognition and understanding for their complex position during the euthanasia procedure, aiding in a better comprehension and contextualization of the request. The level of actual involvement and support depended on the stage of the euthanasia request, their social network, and the reasons behind the request. There was a demand for transparent communication, more emotional and practical support, and assistance in coping with the emotionally charged process. Specific attention is needed for the emotional and cognitive rollercoaster, even if euthanasia is not ultimately pursued. Future research should employ a longitudinal design to gain deeper insights into relatives' fluctuating experiences and support needs throughout euthanasia trajectories. Seeking greater context diversity and combining perspectives in cluster research can improve understanding of interconnected needs

Ambivalence · Cognition · Comprehension · Feeling · Psychiatry · Qualitative research · Social support · Sociology · Thematic analysis · Family Caregiving in Mental Illness · Grief, Bereavement, and Mental Health · Palliative Care and End-of-Life Issues · Psychology · Social Psychology

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