Psychological Aspects of Life Support

Abstract

Psychologists have done little research on the psychological aspects of life support. Research in other areas of psychology has produced results applicable to the life support situation, however. The results of directly and indirectly applicable research indicate that both patients and their intimates suffer less psychological distress if those who have a close positive relationship with the patient maintain emotional closeness to the patient and participate in making decisions concerning life support. Decisions to end treatment are difficult because ending treatment changes the social structure and identity of the survivors. Death is less stressful if the death comes at the right time of life, and the process of dying is neither too long nor too short. People feel less distress if they have appropriate information concerning the situation and have some control.