RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Attitudes towards euthanasia in Iran: the role of altruism
JF Journal of Medical Ethics
JO J Med Ethics
FD BMJ Publishing Group Ltd and Institute of Medical Ethics
SP 173
OP 176
DO 10.1136/medethics-2012-101004
VO 40
IS 3
A1 Aghababaei, Naser
YR 2014
UL http://jme.bmj.com/content/40/3/173.abstract
AB Objective Altruism is arguably the quintessential moral trait, involving willingness to benefit others and unwillingness to harm them. In this study, I explored how altruism and other personality variables relate to acceptance of euthanasia. In addition, I investigated the role of culture in attitudes to subcategorical distinctions of euthanasia. Methods 190 Iranian students completed the Attitude Towards Euthanasia scale, the HEXACO Personality Inventory-Revised, and an interest in religion measure. Results Higher scores on altruism, Honesty–Humility, Agreeableness, Conscientiousness and religiousness were associated with viewing euthanasia as unacceptable. As expected, altruism explained unique variance in euthanasia attitude beyond gender, religiosity and broad personality factors. Conclusions Cultural and individual differences should be taken into consideration in moral psychology research and end-of-life decision-making.