Posthumous organ donation attitudes, intentions to donate, and organ donor status: Examining the role of the big five personality dimensions and altruism

a r t i c l e i n f o The present study examined the role of the big five personality dimensions and altruism in organ donation attitudes (ODA), intentions to register, and organ donor status using a sample of 336 college undergraduates. Participants completed questionnaires that assessed the big five personality dimensions, altruism, ODA, and non-donors completed a question that assessed their intentions to register as an organ donor in the next 3–6 months. In collecting information on organ donor status, participants showed a state-issued ID to a research assistant upon completion of the questionnaire. In terms of the influence of personality, results indicated that agreeable-ness was significant in predicting ODA and intentions to register. However, the relationship between agreeable-ness and the organ donation behaviors was explained by the indirect effect of altruism. No other personality variables were significant in the models. Results are discussed with reference to the role of altruism in organ donation and the need to further understand the null findings of conscientiousness in the models. Further research is needed on the interaction between personality and perceptions of organ donation among college students and the general public. The current number of individuals on the organ recipient list far outweighs the number of available organs. Posthumous organ donation rates in America remain surprisingly low despite approval of the general public (Healthcare Systems Bureau, 2013). It is clear that broad systemic factors, such as registration methods (e.g., opt-in or opt-out system) largely influence organ donation registration behaviors (Falomir-Pichastor, Berent & Pereira, 2013). However, in the United States, an opt-in rather than opt-out organ donation system exists, and as such, it is pertinent for psychology researchers to examine and understand the individual level factors influencing organ donation attitudes (ODA) and behaviors. One of the major factors that can influence ODA and behaviors is education and knowledge of organ donation. Knowledge about the organ procurement system and organ donation is predictive of positive attitudes toward organ donation (Wakefield, Watts, Homewood, Meiser & Siminoff, 2010) and organ donor status (Feeley, 2007; Morgan & Miller, 2002b). Furthermore, providing information about organ donation can lead to increased positive perceptions about the process and increased donor behavior (Macy et al., 2014). There are also various social factors that influence ODA and behaviors. For example, social norms play a significant role in the development of ODA and in the decision to become an organ …