title: An examination of three theoretical models to explain the organ donation attitude--registration discrepancy among mature adults.
abstract: An inconsistency in the research indicates positive attitudes toward organ donation do not map reliably onto organ donor registrations. Various models have sought to explain this inconsistency and the current analysis formally compared three models: the Bystander Intervention Model (BIM), the Organ Donor Model (ODM), and Vested Interest Theory (VIT). Mature (N = 688) adults between the ages of 50 to 64 years completed surveys related to organ donation. Results revealed that VIT accounted for the most variance in organ donation registrations followed by the BIM and ODM. The discussion emphasizes the importance of employing theories to explain a phenomenon as well as the practical implications of the findings.
authors: a Department of Communication, College of Medicine , University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
authors: Brian L
authors: BL
authors: Quick
authors: b Department of Communication , University at Buffalo, The State University of New York.
authors: Ashley E
authors: AE
authors: Anker
authors: b Department of Communication , University at Buffalo, The State University of New York.
authors: Thomas Hugh
authors: TH
authors: Feeley
authors: c Communication Studies Department , University of Miami.
authors: Susan E
authors: SE
authors: Morgan
mesh_terms: D001294:Attitude to Health; D003657:Decision Making; D005260:Female; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008402:Mass Media; D008875:Middle Aged; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D014019:Tissue Donors / Q000523:psychology*; D009927:Tissue and Organ Procurement