Impact of Motivations for Volunteering on Well-being Among Health Sciences Students

Allison J. Naber, University of South DakotaFollow
Rebecca Benson, University of South DakotaFollow
Katie Ericsson, University of South DakotaFollow
Macey Genzlinger, University of South DakotaFollow

Document Type (Journals)

Original Research

Abstract

Motivations for volunteering as a meaningful occupation can influence well-being. This study explored the relationship between motivations for volunteering and perceived well-being among students enrolled in one of ten departments in a School of Health Sciences. A cross-sectional survey incorporating the RAND 36-Item Short Form Survey and Volunteer Function Inventory was employed. Most of the 95 participants were students enrolled in the health science undergraduate and occupational therapy graduate programs. Approximately 75% had volunteered in the past year. RAND SF-36 findings indicated good perceived well-being among many categories. Primary motivations for volunteering included values (Mdn = 30) and understanding (Mdn = 27). Weak positive relationships were found between social motivation and social functioning (r_s = 0.198, p = 0.056) and values motivation and social functioning (r_s = 0.208, p = 0.046). These findings contribute to volunteerism literature for college students and facilitate the understanding of methods for organizing volunteer opportunities with this population.

Biography

Allison Naber, OTD, OTR/L, CLT-LANA is an Assistant Professor and Academic Fieldwork Coordinator for the University of South Dakota Occupational Therapy Department. She teaches upper extremity and professional identity content. Her research interests include the use of meaningful occupations to promote occupational performance among adults and occupational therapy education.

Rebecca Benson, OTS is a third-year student in the occupational therapy program at the University of South Dakota.

Katherine Ericsson, OTS is a third-year student in the occupational therapy program at the University of South Dakota.

Macey Genzlinger, OTS is a third-year student at the occupational therapy program at the University of South Dakota.

Declaration of Interest

The authors report no declarations of interest.

Recommended Citation

Naber, A. J., Benson, R., Ericsson, K., & Genzlinger, M. (2022). Impact of Motivations for Volunteering on Well-being Among Health Sciences Students. Journal of Occupational Therapy Education, 6 (1). https://doi.org/10.26681/jote.2022.060106