Predictors of organ donation-related cognitions and intentions in China: communication variables and cultural values

Abstract

ABSTRACT China is in the process of establishing a more regulated organ procurement and distribution system. Previous media reports stated that misperceptions toward organ donation and value-related beliefs (e.g., helping others) were two important reasons that prevented or facilitated donor registration in China. Based on a sample of 472 Chinese non-registered donors, the present analysis found that compared with subjective norms, self-efficacy, and anticipated guilt, misperceptions toward organ donation were a weak predictor of donor registration intentions, whereas value-related beliefs did not predict donor registration intentions. In addition, collectivistic values were negatively related to misperceptions and positively related to value-related beliefs and subjective norms. Lastly, organ donation-related media use and interpersonal discussion predicted subjective norms, self-efficacy, and anticipated guilt. Overall, results indicate that for internalized beliefs (e.g., misperceptions and value-related beliefs), media and interpersonal discussion of organ donation may exert less influence.