Counseling Students' Personal Values and Attitudes toward Euthanasia

Abstract

This analogue study examined client autonomy in euthanasia situations and its relationship to the clinical experience, religious values, and attitudes toward euthanasia of 83 mental health counseling students. Participants were much more supportive of client autonomy for a 77-year-old client than for a 25-year-old client seeking active euthanasia. No differences were found for passive euthanasia. Counseling student religiosity and clinical experience were significant predictors of support for client autonomy, with more religiosity and less clinical experience related to less support for the client's right to make this decision about ending life. These findings are discussed in light of professional ethics and the role of counselor values in working with clients.