Understanding why older people develop a wish to die: a qualitative interview study.

M.L. Rurup, H.R.W. Pasman, J. Goedhart, D.J.H. Deeg, A.J.F.M. Kerkhof, B.D. Onwuteaka-Philipsen

Research output: Contribution to JournalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

Background: Quantitative studies in several European countries showed that 10-20% of older people have or have had a wish to die. Aims: To improve our understanding of why some older people develop a wish to die. Methods: In-depth interviews with people with a wish to die (n = 31) were carried out. Through open coding and inductive analysis, we developed a conceptual framework to describe the development of death wishes. Respondents were selected from two cohort studies. Results: The wish to die had either been triggered suddenly after traumatic life events or had developed gradually after a life full of adversity, as a consequence of aging or illness, or after recurring depression. The respondents were in a situation they considered unacceptable, yet they felt they had no control to change their situation and thus progressively " gave up" trying. Recurring themes included being widowed, feeling lonely, being a victim, being dependent, and wanting to be useful. Developing thoughts about death as a positive thing or a release from problems seemed to them like a way to reclaim control. Conclusions: People who wish to die originally develop thoughts about death as a positive solution to life events or to an adverse situation, and eventually reach a balance of the wish to live and to die. © 2011 Hogrefe Publishing.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)204-216
Number of pages13
JournalCrisis
Volume32
Issue number4
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2011

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