Medical Aid in Dying: New Frontiers in Medicine, Law, and Culture

Buchbinder, M., & Cain, C. (2023). 

Annual Review of Law and Social Science, 19(1), 

195–214.

https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-lawsocsci-110722-083932

Abstract

 

Medical aid in dying (MAID) has been a productive target for social scientific inquiry at the intersections of law and medicine over the past two decades. Insofar as MAID crystallizes and reflects personal and cultural understandings of key concepts such as individualism, dependency, dignity, and care, it is a rich site for social scientific theorizing. This article reviews and assesses the contributions of social scientific perspectives to research on MAID. We propose that social scientific research on MAID offers four distinctive contributions: its descriptive (rather than normative) orientation, its focus on cultural meanings, its insights into processes of knowledge production, and its comparative lens. The article's major sections describe (a) attitudes toward MAID, (b) MAID-related social movements, (c) legalization approaches, and (d) lived experiences of MAID in permissive jurisdictions. We conclude by reflecting on how MAID scholarship can inform social inquiry into other areas in which law and medicine converge.

Here are some thoughts:

Medical Aid in Dying (MAID) has emerged as a significant focus of social scientific inquiry at the intersection of law and medicine over the past two decades. It serves as a rich nexus for exploration, reflecting cultural understandings of key concepts such as individualism, dependency, dignity, and care. Social scientific research on MAID offers four distinctive contributions: a descriptive rather than normative orientation, a focus on cultural meanings, insights into processes of knowledge production, and a comparative lens. The major areas covered in this paper include attitudes toward MAID, related social movements, approaches to legalization, and lived experiences in jurisdictions where MAID is permitted. 

This scholarship not only enhances our understanding of MAID itself but also informs broader social inquiries into other areas where law and medicine intersect. Overall, the study of MAID highlights its significance as a topic for social scientific research and its potential to illuminate evolving social norms and practices surrounding end-of-life care.

Places in the United States where MAID is legal: Washington (2009), Montana (2009), Vermont (2013), California (2015), Colorado (2016), Washington DC (2017), Hawaii (2018), Maine (2019), New Jersey (2019), and New Mexico (2021).

Empathy Trends in American Youth Between 1979 and 2018: An Update

Konrath, S., et al. (2023).

Social Psychological and Personality Science, 0(0).

https://doi.org/10.1177/19485506231218360

Abstract

Previous research has found declining dispositional empathy among American youth from 1979 to 2009. We update these trends until 2018, using three datasets. Study 1 presents a cross-temporal meta-analysis of undergraduates’ empathy (Interpersonal Reactivity Index), finding significant cubic trends over time: perspective taking (PT) and empathic concern (EC) both increased since 2009. Study 2 conceptually replicated these findings using nationally representative datasets, also showing increasing PT (Study 2a: American Freshman Survey) and EC (Study 2b: Monitoring the Future Survey) since 2009. We include economic, interpersonal, and worldview covariates to test for potential explanations, finding evidence that empathy trends may be related to recent changes in interpersonal dynamics.

The article is paywalled here.

Summary:

Shifting trend: Contrary to earlier studies, researchers found that empathy among college students has increased since 2009 in two key dimensions: perspective taking (understanding another's viewpoint) and empathic concern (sharing another's feelings).

Data sources: The study used three datasets: a meta-analysis of college students' self-reported empathy, a nationally representative survey of freshmen (American Freshman Survey), and another national survey of high school students (Monitoring the Future Survey).

Possible explanations: The reasons for the shift are explored, with potential factors including changes in interpersonal dynamics, increased exposure to diverse perspectives through technology, and growing involvement in social movements emphasizing empathy and social justice.

Overall, the research suggests that the story of empathy in American youth may be more nuanced than previously thought. While earlier studies documented a decline, recent data points towards a possible reversal. Understanding the factors influencing empathy trends is crucial for fostering a more compassionate and connected society.

The study highlights the importance of using multiple data sources and different measurement methods to gain a comprehensive understanding of complex social phenomena.  Further research is needed to confirm the trend and explore its causes in more detail.