Functional Measurement (FM) has been applied to a variety of settings that can be considered as "extreme" settings; that is, settings involving participants with severe cognitive disabilities or involving unusual stimulus material. FM has, as instance, been successfully applied for analyzing (a) numerosity judgments among children as…

This paper questions how society should care for people who are suffering and near death? Underlying this issue are very difficult questions about the evolving rights of patients, medical standards, and societal norms--questions about the American way of death, which often involves needless pain and unwanted treatment. Three choices are presented…

Depression at the end of life is a common mental health issue with serious implications for quality of life and decision making. This study investigated the reliability and validity of one of the most frequently used measures of depression, the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D) in 422 patients with terminal cancer admitted to a palliative…

Contends that old age, in and of itself, should never need to be a cause for self-destruction. Further argues that suicide and assisted suicide carried out in the face of terminal illness causing unbearable suffering should be ethically and legally acceptable. Outlines a perspective on rational suicide among the elderly. (Author/NB)

Presents interview with Ralph Mero, Executive Director of Compassion in Dying, Seattle (Washington)-based organization that has brought new voice to controversial issue of physician-assisted rational suicide. Mero explains how his years as minister watching people suffer with cancer or Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome led him to work for…

Self-determination and the common good must be respected in social work practice and policy regarding end-of-life decisions. This article discusses self-determination in end-of-life decision making, ethical decision making and the NASW Code of Ethics, and professional ethics based on a balanced view of both self-determination and the common good.…

Author explains why he disagrees with concept of rational suicide, asserting that what some see as basis for rational suicide, he sees as basis for therapy. Discusses particular circumstances of the very old, disabled, and terminally ill. Contends that effective psychotherapy is possible with terminally ill. Concludes that, although he opposes…

Responds to Werth's (1992) arguing for rational suicide for individuals diagnosed with Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). Commends Werth's willingness to address issue of rational suicide for individuals diagnosed with AIDS, but expresses concerns about data supporting his rationale and implications for counseling psychology and society…