Self-determination and plasma donation: The role of autonomous motivation

The retention of plasma donors is a major challenge for blood collection establishments. The literature shows that self-determination theory (SDT) presents a relevant conceptual framework for analysing the determinants of blood donation. This research aims to improve the understanding of the motivational mechanisms among donors. 277 French plasma donors (Mage = 43.21 years; SD = 13.83) responded to a French adaptation of the Blood Donor Identity Survey. Regressions were performed to predict intention to donate again, as well as subsequent donation behaviours. Controlling for age, gender and donation experience, autonomous motivation is positively associated with intention to donate again (β = 0.28, p  < 0.001) and donation intention is a predictor of donor return (OR = 1.48, p  = 0.032). Extrinsic motivation is not associated with either intention to donate again and donor return. These results illustrate the importance of developing strategies to foster donors’ autonomous motivation for plasma donation.