Two significant concepts in organ donation: Empathic tendency and altruism

Abstract

Introduction: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of an empathic tendency and altruism on organ donation.

Material and method: 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.

Results: 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%.

Conclusion: The findings indicate that programs that foster empathy and compassion should be implemented in order to foster a positive attitude about organ donation.

Keywords: Altruism; Empathic tendency; Nursing care; Organ donation; Organ transplantation.