Personality Characteristics of Volunteers in a Companion for Children Program

Abstract

This study evaluated the effectiveness of the MMPI and other personal factors in predicting both the length of time the volunteer would be in the program and the quality of performance of the volunteer in a Companions for Children program. The MMPI scores of 67 volunteers, over a 2-yr. period, were evaluated. There were some significant correlations between longevity in program, specifically occupation, education, and scores on the Hysteria scale of the MMPI were negatively correlated. The staff-rated quality of the volunteers, education, and occupation were significantly correlated, as well as scores on the Psychasthenia scale of the MMPI. A forward stepwise regression, performed for longevity and rated quality, showed education, scores on the F scale, Hysteria scale, and Psychasthenia scale were the four best indicators of longevity. The best four indicators for rated quality were the F scale, Hypochondriasis scale, Schizophrenia scale, and the Social introversion-extroversion scale. Although the MMPI was a good screening device, it was not an adequate predictor of eventual longevity or quality in the program.

Unpacking the relation between extraversion and volunteering in later life: The role of social capital

“…Introverts tend to be reserved, independent, and even-paced (McCrae & Costa, 1984). Because formal volunteering often requires extensive social interactions, scholars have posited that it is associated with being extraverted (Burke & Hall, 1986). Several studies have observed a significant association between extraversion and volunteering (Bekkers, 2005;Burke & Hall, 1986;Carlo et al, 2005;Herzog & Morgan, 1993), but see Trudeau and Devlin (1996) for an exception.…”

“…Because formal volunteering often requires extensive social interactions, scholars have posited that it is associated with being extraverted (Burke & Hall, 1986). Several studies have observed a significant association between extraversion and volunteering (Bekkers, 2005;Burke & Hall, 1986;Carlo et al, 2005;Herzog & Morgan, 1993), but see Trudeau and Devlin (1996) for an exception.Because extraversion is viewed as a product of genetics and early childhood experiences, differences in extraversion are likely to precede differences in our mediating variables and in volunteering (Swickert, Hittner, Kitos, & Cox-Fuenzalida, 2004). This mediational model is based upon the premises that (a) extraversion is significantly related to the mediators as well as to volunteering and (b) the mediators are significantly related to volunteering.…”

The interplay of traits and motives on volunteering: agreeableness, extraversion and prosocial value motivation

“…Furthermore, researchers have found signifi cant positive relations between agreeableness and volunteering (e.g., Smith & Nelson, 1975). Similarly, extraversion is associated with sociability, gregariousness, assertiveness, positive emotions, warmth, and activity (McCrae & Costa, 1999); and has been shown to predict volunteering (Burke & Hall, 1986;Kosek, 1995;Smith & Nelson, 1975). Because volunteerism often requires extensive social interactions, scholars have linked it to extraversion (e.g., Burke & Hall, 1986).…”

Ciddi Boş Zaman Faaliyeti Olarak Gönüllülük: AKUT Örneği

“…Mevcut çalışmanın sonuçları Ardahan'ın (2011) sonuçlarıyla örtüşmektedir. Burke and Hall (1986), Lammers (1991), Sundeen (1992), Wymer ve arkadaşları (1996) yaptıkları çalışmada gönüllülüğün bir bilinç meselesi olduğunu bunun da eğitimle, iyi (saygın) işlerde ve işletmelerde çalışıyor olmakla yakından ilişkili olduğunu, gönüllülerin gönüllü olmayanlara göre daha iyi eğitim düzeyine sahip olduklarını ve daha iyi işlerde ve pozisyonlarda çalıştığını belirtmişlerdir. Bahsedilen bu sonuçlar mevcut araştırma sonuçlarıyla büyük ölçüde benzeşmektedir.…”

“…Benzer durum gönüllülüğün gelirle olan ilişkisidir. Daha çok emek ve zaman harcayarak gönüllü olanların orta gelir düzeyindeki bireyler olduğu (Burke & Hall, 1986;Perkins 1989;Bequette 1990;Lammers, 1991;Sundeen 1992;Wymer et al 1996), gelir arttıkça daha çok para desteğinde bulunarak bireylerin gönüllülük çalışmalarına katıldıkları bulgusu mevcut araştırmanın sonuçlarıyla örtüşmektedir.…”