AI Article Synopsis
- Some individuals deliberately choose to end their own lives, raising questions about how this act fits into the definitions of occupation in occupational science and therapy.
- The authors argue that for some people, deliberately dying can be viewed as a purposeful and meaningful occupation, reflecting on the implications for occupational therapy practice.
- The article seeks to stimulate dialogue on the sensitive subjects of self-harm and the ethics of ending life, advocating for a reconsideration of definitions and fostering occupational justice in these contexts.
Article Abstract
In some legal and societal circumstances, people freely and capably plan, organize, and precipitate their own death. Drawing on published literature, we critically reflect on how deliberately ending one's own life fits with the current definitions of the concept of occupation. Using an occupational science and occupational therapy theoretical reflection, we argue that deliberately dying can for some people be considered a purposeful and meaningful occupation. Implications for such an occupational therapy practice are discussed: attending to the occupational needs of specific groups of people, reconsidering definitions and conceptual work, advocating for occupational justice in ending life activities, reflecting on ethical conundrums around self-harm activities within the scope of practice, and exploring deliberate death as a purposeful and meaningful occupation. Because deliberately dying is something that some people do, in this article we aim to open a dialogue within the field of occupational science and occupational therapy about this sensitive and potentially controversial issue.
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| http://dx.doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2022.047357 | DOI Listing |
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