tIntroduction. – Currently, stem cells (SC) are one of the most studied issues of medical research as well asa widespread, complex, socially and ethically relevant issue.Objective. – The general aim of the present study is to explore how social representations (SR) of SC isdifferent for people more or less willing to donate SC, also comparing bone marrow SC (BMSC) donationand umbilical cord blood SC (UCBSC) donation.Method. – A paper-and-pencil survey was administrated to 78 Italian respondents. A structural analysisof SC-SRs (prototypical and co-occurrence analysis) was conducted comparing people with a high/lowintention to donate UCBSC/BMSC.Results. – Similarly to other bioethically relevant issues, SR of SC seems to be ambivalent and dichoto-mously organized, with the donation procedure been a barrier.Conclusion. – These results are in line with studies finding two sets of dichotomies: on the one hand, agift-of-life/replacement-of-body-parts dichotomy coexisting within people’s SR of organ donation; on theother hand, a help/pain and needle dichotomy within blood donation’s SR. Directions for future researchare suggested.
Problematic donation procedures vs. futuristic research and treatment applications: A dichotomous social representation of stem cells in Italy.
Bonaiuto F;
2022-01-01
Abstract
tIntroduction. – Currently, stem cells (SC) are one of the most studied issues of medical research as well asa widespread, complex, socially and ethically relevant issue.Objective. – The general aim of the present study is to explore how social representations (SR) of SC isdifferent for people more or less willing to donate SC, also comparing bone marrow SC (BMSC) donationand umbilical cord blood SC (UCBSC) donation.Method. – A paper-and-pencil survey was administrated to 78 Italian respondents. A structural analysisof SC-SRs (prototypical and co-occurrence analysis) was conducted comparing people with a high/lowintention to donate UCBSC/BMSC.Results. – Similarly to other bioethically relevant issues, SR of SC seems to be ambivalent and dichoto-mously organized, with the donation procedure been a barrier.Conclusion. – These results are in line with studies finding two sets of dichotomies: on the one hand, agift-of-life/replacement-of-body-parts dichotomy coexisting within people’s SR of organ donation; on theother hand, a help/pain and needle dichotomy within blood donation’s SR. Directions for future researchare suggested.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
