Anticipated Regret and Organ Donor Registration-A Pilot Study

Citation

O'Carroll R, Dryden J, Hamilton-Barclay T & Ferguson E (2011) Anticipated Regret and Organ Donor Registration-A Pilot Study. Health Psychology, 30 (5), pp. 661-664. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0024182

Abstract
Objective: In this pilot study we tested the influence of manipulating anticipated regret on organ donor registration behavior. Method: A simple web-based experimental trial was conducted. Nonorgan donors were allocated to a simple anticipated regret manipulation versus a theory of planned behavior or a control condition. The main outcome measure was registration on the U.K. organ donor register at 1-month follow-up. Results: A simple anticipated regret manipulation led to a significant increase in organ donor registrations. Conclusion: Interventions utilizing anticipated regret may have the potential to significantly increase organ donation rates.

Keywords
donor; donation; disgust; posthumous; affective attitudes

Journal
Health Psychology: Volume 30, Issue 5

People

Professor Ronan O'Carroll

Professor, Psychology