Relationship between Motives of Volunteerism and Experienced Satisfaction in a Community-dwelling Adults

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine how the motives of participation in volunteer activities are related to the perceived benefits and acquired satisfaction for local citizens. Data were acquired by mail from a questionnaire of 320 persons engaged in volunteer activities. The results of the application of structural equation modeling showed that a modified model was almost adequate to our data (χ^2=160.34, df=86, χ^2/df=1.86, CFI=0.91, RMSEA=0.08). Persons with the higher degree of motives for participation showed higher perceived benefits and satisfaction. However, the motives for participation in volunteer activities did not have a significantly direct influence on the sense of satisfaction. The findings imply the necessity to promote the participation in volunteer activities and coordinate the motives and benefits for volunteer activists as well.