Volunteering and Psychological Well-Being Among Young-Old Adults

How Much Is Too Much?

Bibliographic Data

ID23364192
AuthorsTim D Windsor (0000-0003-3725-2730, Australian National University, corresponding author), Kaarin J Anstey (0000-0002-9706-9316, Australian National University), Blake Rodgers (0000-0002-2863-3737, Australian National University)
Year2008
Volume48
Issue1
Pages59-70
Publication date2008-02-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueThe Gerontologist (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0016-9013 • E-ISSN: 1758-5341
PublisherOxford University Press (OUP) (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1093/geront/48.1.59
PMID18381833
OpenAlexW2153142292
LanguageEN
Citations received70
References cited31

PURPOSE: Research concerned with the relationship between volunteer activity and psychological well-being has typically reported higher levels of well-being among older adult volunteers relative to nonvolunteers. However, few studies have examined nonlinear associations between frequency of volunteer activity and well-being. We examined nonlinear associations between hours spent volunteering and psychological well-being, controlling for employment status, partner status, physical health, and education. We also investigated associations between different domains of volunteer activity and well-being, along with the possible moderating effects of gender on these relationships. DESIGN AND METHODS: We used data from the PATH Through Life Project, a population-based study of Australian adults. Participants consisted of 2,136 older adults aged 64 to 68. RESULTS: Nonlinear associations between hours spent volunteering and psychological well-being were evident, with these associations characterized by inverted U shapes, with nonvolunteers and those volunteering at high levels producing lower well-being scores relative to those volunteering at moderate levels. Few associations between specific domains of volunteer activity and well-being were evident, and no notable gender interactions emerged. IMPLICATIONS: The results point toward optimal frequency of engagement in volunteer activity for psychological well-being as being bounded by upper and lower levels, outside of which benefits to well-being diminish.

Developmental psychology · Path analysis (statistics) · Physical activity · Physical therapy · Population · Psychological well-being · Sociology · Volunteer · Well-being · Clinical Psychology · Demography · Health disparities and outcomes · Medicine · Nonprofit Sector and Volunteering · Psychological Well-being and Life Satisfaction · Psychology · Social Psychology · Gerontology

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