Extenuating Circumstances in Perceptions of Suicide: Disease Diagnosis (AIDS, Cancer), Pain Level, and Life Expectancy

This study investigates whether illness type, pain level & life expectancy affect reactions toward a terminally ill person in social & work situations, & toward the ill committing suicide. Cancer & AIDS were used as illness types. The authors found more social stigma was associated with AIDS, but less social stigma was with AIDS & excessive pain resulting in suicide. The authors conclude increased education about AIDS is needed to diminish intolerance. (VM)