The understanding of dysthanasia and transhumanism from the nursing profession perspective

Abstract

This paper presents the research results from a quantitative research study about the attitudes of undergraduate nursing students at the Catholic University of Croatia. The primary aim of this study was to investigate attitudes regarding the practice of life prolongation, therapeutic persistence, i.e. dysthanasia, and how transhumanist ideas impact students’ lives and their (future) nursing profession. Furthermore, the research study aimed to inquire about general attitudes on death and life prolongation. One hundred sixty–four undergraduate students participated in this study, including both full–time and part–time students. The respondents were surveyed by means of a questionnaire specially designed to inquire into both of these topics. After analysis, the results showed significant differences in attitudes and in the understanding of the terms dysthanasia and transhumanism among the respondents with and without work experience, and among full–time and part–time students. Nevertheless, results demonstrated that having work experience does not impact one’s understanding of dysthanasia, and a greater knowledge of the transhumanist ideal does not decrease acceptance of transhumanist ideas. Probably the most interesting of our results points to the fact that work experience significantly contributes to the creation of a precautionary attitude towards new medical technologies.