Personality and motivation for body donation.

BACKGROUND: This study examines the relationship between motivation for body donation to science and personality characteristics using a body donor survey (N=759) conducted by the University Medical Centre Groningen (UMCG) in The Netherlands. The survey expands on anthropological studies that suggest an association between donor motivation and personality.

METHODS: A structural equation model was used to investigate the relationship between personality and motivation for body donation.

FINDINGS: The results show that, compared to society at large, body donors have a similar spectrum of personality characteristics. However, we found statistically significant positive relationships between donor motivation and Big Five personality traits. Together the personality traits explain between 5% and 15% of the variance in motivation for body donation.

CONCLUSIONS: We argue that donor campaigns should not focus solely on altruistic motives, but should include the aspect of possible personal achievement by the donor. This is a fruitful starting point for approaching potential donors and anticipating their needs.