Date of Submission
2012
Degree Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)
Department
Psychology
Department Chair
Robert A DiTomasso, PhD, ABPP, Chair, Department of Psychology
First Advisor
Stephanie Felgoise, PhD, ABPP, Chairperson
Second Advisor
Bruce Zahn, EdD, ABPP
Third Advisor
Zachary Simmons, MD
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to examine social problem-solving characteristics and other factors that contribute to the desire to hasten death among ALS patients. Participants completed six measures including: the ALS Functional Rating Scale-Revised, two item Hopelessness Scale, Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy- Spiritual Well-Being Scale, ALS Specific Quality of Life Instrument-Revised, Social Problem-Solving Inventory-Revised, and the Schedule of Attitudes Toward Hastened Death. Data gathered was analyzed, using hierarchical multiple regressions, and a Pearson product-moment correlation. Results revealed that the factors of hopelessness, global quality of life, bulbar function, and negative emotion significantly predicted the desire to hasten death among ALS patients. Problem solving characteristics were not found to be related to the desire to hasten death.
Recommended Citation
Labin Bekelja, Kristen, "Social Problem Solving and Factors that Contribute to the Consideration of Hastened Death among ALS Patients" (2012). PCOM Psychology Dissertations. 242.
https://digitalcommons.pcom.edu/psychology_dissertations/242