Investigating and Promoting the Decision towards Signing an Organ Donation Card

Gundula Hübner,Sonia Lippke

doi:10.4236/ojmp.2014.33021

Gundula Hübner, Sonia Lippke

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.4236/ojmp.2014.33021

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Abstract

Using the Health Action Process Approach (HAPA) as a theoretical backdrop, the aim of this research, which consists of two studies, was to understand the process of goal setting and deciding to sign an organ donor card. In Study 1 (N = 550), we tested the HAPA’s stages in terms of discontinuity patterns in the variables predicting goal setting for organ donation. As expected, multigroup structural equation modeling revealed discontinuity patterns in terms of different prediction patterns. In Study 2 (N = 389), the efficacy of a planning intervention that aimed to foster the translation of goals into behavior was tested: participants who received the intervention were more likely to order a donor card than those who did not. Contrary to the HAPA’s predictions, within the intenders group the planning intervention did not stimulate behavior more frequently than in the control condition. In general, the stage-specific planning intervention is of practical importance, as it shows that brief and relatively inexpensive communication can enhance organ donation behavior.

Highlights

Despite strong positive attitudes towards donating organs postmortem, and high intention to commit to such an act, only a few individuals sign an organ donor card
The results of Study 1 of the study provide evidence for the proposed structure of goal setting within the Health Action Process Approach (HAPA) framework
Goal setting was operationalized in terms of committing to postmortem organ donation

Summary

Introduction

Despite strong positive attitudes towards donating organs postmortem, and high intention to commit to such an act, only a few individuals sign an organ donor card. In order to promote organ donation i.e. preparatory behavior in terms of signing a donor card, it is important to understand the processes that drive this behavior. (2014) Investigating and Promoting the Decision towards Signing an Organ Donation Card. Lippke directed behavior are goal intentions and plans [1] [2]. This raises the question: what determines the goal setting and translation of these goals into behavior in terms of plans? We outline the assumptions of a theoretical model and empirical evidence on explaining the behavior of signing an organ donation card This raises the question: what determines the goal setting and translation of these goals into behavior in terms of plans? In the following, we outline the assumptions of a theoretical model and empirical evidence on explaining the behavior of signing an organ donation card

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Conclusion