Personality and motivation for body donation

Sophie Bolt*, Rob Eisinga, Eric Venbrux, Jan B. M. Kuks, Peter O. Gerrits

*Corresponding author for this work

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

    43 Citations (Scopus)

    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 languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)112-117
    Number of pages6
    JournalAnnals of Anatomy-Anatomischer Anzeiger
    Volume193
    Issue number2
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 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

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