Assisted dying and countertransference: unconscious forces in life-and-death decisions
Abstract
Assisted dying debates overlook the powerful unconscious forces that shape end-of-life decision-making. These dynamics influence personal, clinical and societal judgements and may be contributing to the rapid international expansion of assisted dying practices. Strengthening safeguards requires acknowledging these forces and integrating structured psychological assessment, clinician support and reflective practice to reduce unconscious bias and enhance the reliability, transparency and ethical integrity of decisions.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Palliative Care and End-of-Life Issues
Grief
Bereavement
and Mental Health
Organ Donation and Transplantation
Publication details
- Journal / source
- The British Journal of Psychiatry
- Publisher
- Royal College of Psychiatrists
- Volume
- 229
- Issue
- 2
- Pages
- 134–136
- Publication date
- 4 February 2026
- Language
- EN