Kidney donor - a qualitative research on the analytic psychology

Abstract

The kidney transplantation is experienced as a critic situation both by patients and donors. The decision to donate an organ goes beyond a personal choice, as it is influenced by the family and the social dynamic. Is an intervention into the body (surgical procedure), in the psyche (emotional meaning, beliefs) and in social relationships (expectations, pressures, and doubts from the society, added to the temporarily absence from work and social life). Purpose: To check the donor’s comprehension on the transplantation, researching the donor’s motivations and emotions concerning the kidney transplantation and comprehension of his role inside the family. Method: qualitative research, sample consisted of six individuals, kidney pre-transplantation donors, being the instruments: semi-guided interview and projective tests (Family’s Drawing and Thematic’s Drawing). Results: Donors indicated their motivation was a wish to help another person, providing him a better quality of life. Factors such as the desire to play his role into the family or wishing to avoid their or others’ suffering or from their relatives were important as well. Donors indicated they lack information on the transplantation, and the emotions involved were sadness, preoccupation and insecurity. Conclusion: This work indicates the importance the work from a psychologist with donors as an opportunity to talk about the emotions of a transplant, trying to contribute to the personal development.