Abstract

 Background and Objectives

 The health systems all around the world are concerned about provision of safe and adequate blood. The blood donation, as a favorable social behavior, is affected by human characteristics. The present study attempted to investigate the altruistic behavior, empathy and social responsibility in two groups: voluntary versus non-voluntary blood donors.

 Materials and Methods

 The present research is a cross-sectional comparative study having included all male voluntary blood donors in Ardabil Blood Center 30 voluntary blood donors and 30 non-voluntary were randomly selected. The altruism questionnaire, empathy scale, and personality questionnaires were used as instruments and the data were collected. The research data were analyzed using Pearson correlation coefficient and multivariate variance analysis (MANOVA).

 Results

 The results show that the mean rates of social responsibility in voluntary and non-voluntary groups are 28.93 ±4.13 and 24.13 ±3.68 , respectively. The variables of altruistic behavior, empathy and social responsibility are estimated to be higher in voluntary than non-voluntary donors. Also there is a positive significant relationship among altruistic behavior, empathy and social responsibility variables.

 Conclusions

 Altruism, empathy and social responsibility are more motivating in voluntary blood donors than in non-voluntary. Therefore, to promote blood donation it would be helpful to recognize and engage people enjoying empathy, social responsibility, and altruism.