Two significant concepts in organ donation: Empathic tendency and altruism

Abstract

IntroductionThe aim of this study was to investigate the effect of an empathic tendency and altruism on organ donation. Material and methodThis 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. ResultsA 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%. ConclusionThe findings indicate that programs that foster empathy and compassion should be implemented in order to foster a positive attitude about organ donation.