Social Contagion of Vasovagal Symptoms in Blood Donors: Interactions With Empathy.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Vasovagal reactions (VVRs) are commonly experienced in medical situations such as blood donation. Many believe that psychosocial contagion can contribute to the development of VVRs, but this is largely clinical lore.

Purpose

The goal of the present investigation was to examine the physiological effects of observing another experience a reaction, focusing on the potential moderating effects of empathy.

Methods

This study was part of a randomized controlled trial of behavioral techniques on the prevention of VVRs in blood donors. The sample was composed of 530 healthy university students. Measures of symptoms were obtained with the Blood Donation Reactions Inventory (BDRI) and through observation. Physiological variables were measured using respiratory capnom

SUBMITTER: Mennitto S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9242546 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature