Motivation to volunteer by older adults: A test of competing measurement models

Four measurement models of the structure of motivation to volunteer were ev aluated in 2 samples of older (minimum age = 50 years), active volunteers. Motivation to volunteer was assessed with the Volunteer Functions Inventory . Whereas no support was found for either unidimensional or bipartite model s, qualified support was observed for both 6-factor and 2nd-order factor mo dels. The best fit of the data was obtained with the 6-factor model of moti vation to volunteer (career, enhancement. protective. social, understanding , and values). Contrary to the prediction derived from the 2nd-order factor model, the 6 volunteer motives were differentially related to demographic variables and number of hours spent volunteering for the organization durin g the past year. Implications for assessing motivation to volunteer among o lder adults and recruiting older adults as volunteers are discussed.