Euthanasia : A Socio-Psychological Analysis

DOI- https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.21096401

Abstract

Euthanasia often described as "mercy killing" is a deeply contested issue situated at the intersection of sociology, psychology, ethics and law. While the ethical and legal aspects of Euthanasia have been widely debated. Its socio-psychological dimensions remain equally significant yet underexplored. This paper examines Euthanasia as a phenomenon shaped by social structure, cultural norms, interpersonal relationships and individual psychological processes. By integrating sociological theories with psychological frameworks, the study analyzes how factors such as socialization, family dynamics, mental health, perception of suffering and autonomy influence attitudes towards Euthanasia. Using a qualitative approach based on secondary data, the research highlights that Euthanasia decisions are not purely rational or individual but are deeply embedded in social context and psychological states. The paper concludes that a socio-psychological understanding is essential for developing balanced policies that respect human dignity while safeguarding vulnerable populations.

Keywords:     Euthanasia, socio-psychological dimensions, phenomenon, social structure, cultural norms, mental health, perception, autonomy, psychological states.