Affiliations: Universität Würzburg, Institut für
Psychotherapie und Medizinische Psychologie, Klinikstraße 3, 97070
Würzburg. Tel.: 0931 31 2073; Fax: 0931 31 6080; E-mail:
[email protected]
Abstract: Living kidney donation has become an increasingly important
treatment option in transplantation medicine. Both course and outcomes of the
transplantation are influenced by various psychological factors. These factors
are presented in this literature review. A literature research was conducted
regarding psychological issues relevant to living kidney donation and
transplantation. First, decision-related motives and variables are discussed,
followed by a synopsis of socio-demographic (e.g., age) and psychosocial
(e.g., diseaserelated expectations, coping strategies) variables that affect
pre-operative and post-operative quality of life and well-being. Other relevant
issues that are dealt with in this review include social and family
relationships before and after transplantation, body image, compliance, and
health behavior. Finally, following a discussion on the relevance of living
kidney donation and transplantation, the need for further research in areas
such as posttransplant care programs and a more comprehensive consideration of
indicators of post-operative well-being and recipient health-related behavior
are highlighted.
Keywords: Transplantation, kidney, living donation, influencing factors, review
