No abstract

The emotional strain of bone marrow transplantation procedures on child patients, family members and hospital personnel is described, and an illustrative case history is offered. Reasons for the unusually close relationship between family and staff are considered, and the necessity of appropriate psychological support for patients, siblings, parents, and members of the medical team is delineated.

Twenty randomly chosen voluntary plateletpheresis donors were interviewed in depth. Information on their family histories, past histories, present psychosocial adjustment, and history of blood donation was elicited. Most donors had a high level of commitment and drive to achieve, frequently related to low self-image dating from childhood. The act of platelet donation had several important meanings for the subjects. It improved their self-esteem, making them feel more worthy and responsible persons. It provided them with an opportunity to establish relationships with others. The data obtained in this survey suggest that the altruistic behavior of the voluntary donors should be seen both as an act of giving and also one of receiving emotional gratification which fulfills one's important psychological needs. Utilization of these data in recruitment of plateletpheresis donors is suggested.