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(2016) Logotherapy and existential analysis, Dordrecht, Springer.
"Meaning until the last breath"
practical applications of logotherapy in the ethical consideration of coma, brain death, and persistent vegetative states
Charles McLafferty
pp. 365-376
In the decades that have passed since Frankl originally formulated his theory of logotherapy, technological and medical advances have increased the responsibility of caregivers to discern meaning and purpose among those who are in a coma, diagnosed as "brain dead," or in a persistent vegetative state. In particular, artificial nutrition, hydration, and oxygen are frequently applied without considering the long-term implications of their application and withdrawal.A long-term case study of Kevin, the author's brother, is used to illustrate the complexity of the topic. Questions are presented that might be useful in ethical considerations for both the helper (counselor, physician, psychologist, social worker) and the caregiver. For example, when does use of these medical interventions remove the individual's noëtic dimension of free will and choice? Is it helpful to consider the multidimensional nature of the person so affected? The idea of "one size fits all" answers, based on old authoritarian models, are not congruent with Frankl's insistence that each person must become responsible in light of the availability of an inner compass that points to meaning in each instance. The logotherapist and caregiver have subtle choices and responsibilities that emerge from a new understanding of the patient.
Publication details
DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-29424-7_31
Full citation:
McLafferty, C. (2016)., "Meaning until the last breath": practical applications of logotherapy in the ethical consideration of coma, brain death, and persistent vegetative states, in A. Batthyány (ed.), Logotherapy and existential analysis, Dordrecht, Springer, pp. 365-376.
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