Living Organ Donation: the Effect of Message Frame on an Altruistic Behaviour

Objective: This experimental study investigates the impact of message frame and risk perceptions upon willingness to consider living organ donation. Design: A 2 (gain vs. loss) by 2 (liver vs. kidney) by 2 (involved vs. not involved) between-group study was conducted. Method: Eighty-seven participants completed a questionnaire after reading a vignette designed to invite participants to consider living kidney or liver donation. Results: Within a gain frame scenario, willingness to donate was significantly higher when the risk of donating was lower. Conclusion: The results have important implications for the generalizability of framing theories and the promotion of living organ donation