Is Signature Size Associated With Organ Donor Designation on Driver's Licenses?

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Medical Research
• Health Behavior

Background:

• Previous research links larger signature size to narcissistic traits.
• Organ donation is considered an altruistic behavior.
• Narcissism and altruism are often viewed as contrasting personality dimensions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between signature size and willingness to be an organ donor.
• To explore the potential inverse relationship between narcissistic traits (indicated by signature size) and altruistic behavior (organ donation).

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study analyzed health records of 571 primary care patients.
• Demographic and medical data were collected from electronic health records.
• Signature sizes and organ donor designations were measured from scanned driver's licenses.

Main Results:

• 45% of patients had a donor designation on their driver's license.
• Average signature size was 113.3 mm², with significant variation.
• Multivariate analysis showed donor designation associated with younger age, non-black race, private insurance, and absence of comorbidities.
• Crucially, signature size was not significantly associated with organ donor designation.

Conclusions:

• Signature size does not correlate with verified organ donor designation.
• Further research is required to elucidate the complex interplay between personality traits and the decision to become an organ donor.