Abstract
Background: This study examines the relationship between motivation for body donation to science and personality characteristics using a body donor survey (N = 759) conducted by the University Medical Centre Groningen (UMCG) in The Netherlands. The survey expands on anthropological studies that suggest an association between donor motivation and personality.
Methods: A structural equation model was used to investigate the relationship between personality and motivation for body donation.
Findings: The results show that, compared to society at large, body donors have a similar spectrum of personality characteristics. However, we found statistically significant positive relationships between donor motivation and Big Five personality traits. Together the personality traits explain between 5% and 15% of the variance in motivation for body donation.
Conclusions: We argue that donor campaigns should not focus solely on altruistic motives, but should include the aspect of possible personal achievement by the donor. This is a fruitful starting point for approaching potential donors and anticipating their needs. (C) 2011 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 112-117 |
Number of pages | 6 |
Journal | Annals of Anatomy-Anatomischer Anzeiger |
Volume | 193 |
Issue number | 2 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2011 |
Keywords
- Body donor
- Big Five
- Motivation for donation
- Gift-giving
- Altruism
- Anatomy
- ORGAN DONATION
- BLOOD-DONATION
- 5-FACTOR MODEL
- ATTITUDES
- BEHAVIOR
- DONORS
- DETERMINANTS
- RECRUITMENT
- INCENTIVES
- DISSECTION