Defense Date

11-16-2024

Graduation Date

Summer 8-10-2024

Availability

One-year Embargo

Submission Type

dissertation

Degree Name

PhD

Department

Health Care Ethics

School

McAnulty College and Graduate School of Liberal Arts

Committee Chair

Gerald Magill

Committee Member

Joris Gielen

Committee Member

Pete Ikechukwu Osuji

Keywords

suicide, ideation, neuroscience, genetics, epigenetics, duty to care, paternalism, Enhanced autonomy, autonomy, nudging, veterans, suicidality, suicide ideation, immigrants, vulnerability, minoritized, VHA, Veterans Healthcare Administration, IFS, Internal Family Systems

Abstract

With suicide being a leading global cause of death, there is a need to explore the ethical complexities surrounding suicide and preventive measures. This dissertation questions the morality of suicide by examining the historical and philosophical dimensions across cultures and religions. The text argues for an approach that acknowledges rational suicide while developing the ethics of paternalistic measures for suicide prevention of vulnerable populations.

Considering the ethics of autonomy, the dissertation discusses the practice of nudging in healthcare to highlight the role of paternalism in supporting informed consent. The text proposes an enhanced autonomy model that balances trust, influence, and decision making.

The dissertation further examines suicide rates among minoritized groups and the correlation between social isolation, discrimination, and barriers to healthcare access. Cultural competency and systematic approaches are advocated to address these disparities.

Understanding suicide from a scientific lens, specifically neuroscience, is emphasized in the text. Epigenetics and genetics factors are also highlighted, without discounting the bias towards reductionism.

The dissertation aims to create a comprehensive ethical framework that accounts for historical, philosophical, and scientific perspectives on suicide prevention. The dissertation calls for improved healthcare management and organizational strategies to better address suicide prevention while respecting individual autonomy and fostering corporate and institutional responsibility.

Language

English

Download

Share

COinS