This invention relates to a dye-donor element for .Iadd.resistive head .Iaddend.thermal dye transfer comprising a support having thereon a dye layer comprising an image dye in a polymeric binder, and wherein the dye layer also contains a polymeric plasticizer having a Tg less than about 25.degree. C., the plasticizer comprising ##STR1## wherein: R and R.sup.1 each independently represent a substituted or unsubstituted linear or branched alkylene, phenylene or cycloalkylene group of from 1 to about 12 carbon atoms; andn is an integer selected so that the plasticizer has a polystyrene equivalent weight average molecular weight of from about 18,000 to about 300,000.