SOCIAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL-FACTORS INFLUENC ING THE ORGAN DONATION

The aim of these studies was the analysis of the literature pertaining to the social and psychological aspects of organ donation: (1) social variables (sex, age, cultural level, economic level, race and family environment), (2) psychological variables (death, religiosity, body, s elfesteem, locus of control, psychopathology, motive of achievement, a ltruism, emotional stability and intelectual capacity), (3) reasons fo r refusal the organ donation (erroneous information, lack of confidenc e to the doctors, religious beliefs, fear to death, respect or unknown if deceased wished to donate organs and others reasons) and (4) other s problems which prevent or make more difficult the altruistic act of donating organs (legal and judicial problems, dissatisfaction with pub lic health and few beds and doctors in the Intensive Care Units).