@article{ref1,
title="Understanding Why Older People Develop a Wish to Die",
journal="Crisis",
year="2011",
author="Rurup, M. L. and Pasman, H. R. W. and Goedhart, J. and Deeg, D. J. H. and Kerkhof, A. J. F. M. and Onwuteaka-Philipsen, B. D.",
volume="32",
number="4",
pages="204-216",
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 &quot;gave up&quot; 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.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="0227-5910",
doi="10.1027/0227-5910/a000078",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1027/0227-5910/a000078"
}