Two significant concepts in organ donation: Empathic tendency and altruism

• Published in: Transplant immunology Vol. 75; p. 101731
• Main Authors: Soylu, Dilek, Soylu, Ayşe, Şen, Sevim
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 01.12.2022
• Subjects: Altruism; Empathic tendency; Nursing care; Organ donation; Organ transplantation; Organ donation; Nursing care; Organ transplantation; Altruism; Empathic tendency
• ISSN: 0966-3274; 1878-5492
• DOI: 10.1016/j.trim.2022.101731

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of an empathic tendency and altruism on organ donation. This descriptive and relationship-seeking research included adults who responded to a questionnaire delivered by e-mail with the snowball sampling method. The sample comprised 269 subjects according to 99% power and significance level of α = 0.05. Data were collected using a Personal Information Form, Empathic Tendency Scale, Altruism Scale, and the Organ Donation Attitude Scale. A positive, strong, statistically significant relationship was determined between the empathic tendency and altruism scales and the organ donation and transplantation scale (p < 0.001). Empathic tendency and altruism were determined to affect the positive attitude subscale of the organ donation attitude scale at the rate of 11.9%. The findings indicate that programs that foster empathy and compassion should be implemented in order to foster a positive attitude about organ donation. •Empathy can effect a person's decision to donate organs in a positive way.•Altruism can be the driving force behind organ donation consent.•Empathic tendency and altruism are predictors of positive attitude towards organ donation.