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Benefits

Self Development

Knowledge

  • Increases in knowledge about issue at hand (Omoto & Snyder, 1996)
  • Increased awareness of civic obligation (Riedel, 2002)
  • More favorable attitudes towards the population being served (Holzberg & Gerwirtz, 1963; Youniss & Yates, 1997)
  • less simplistic beliefs/attitudes about complex social issues (Batchelder & Root, 1994)

Skills

  • Increased moral reasoning (Conrad & Hedin 1981; 1982)
  • Increased problem-solving abilities (Eyler, Root, & Giles, 1998)
  • Increased sense of empathy (Yogev & Ronen, 1982)

Health

Mental

  • Increases in self-esteem and self-confidence (Omoto & Snyder, 1996)
  • Decreases in loneliness, helplessness, and stress (Omoto & Snyder, 1996)
  • High levels of satisfaction with the volunteer experience (Omoto & Snyder, 1996)
  • More positive levels of life satisfaction (Thoits & Hewitt, 2001)
  • Increased self-esteem and confidence (Giles & Eyler 1994; 1998)

Physical

  • Appears to prevent health problems in elderly populations (doesn’t improve health, but volunteers have fewer health declines than non-volunteers— Oman, Thoreson, & McMahon, 1999; Musick, Herzog, & House, 1999)
  • Linked to lower rates of mortality as compared to non-volunteers (in an elderly sample; Oman, Thoreseon, & McMahon)

Spiritual

Social

  • Increase in the size of one’s network of friends (Morrow-Howell, Kinnevy, & Mann, 1999)

 

Synder, M., Omoto, A.M., & Lindsay, J.J. (2004).  Sacrificing time and effort for the good of others: The benefits and costs of volunteerism.  In A.G Miller (Ed.) The Social Psychology of Good and Evil.  New York: Guilford.