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

Citation
Ma. Okun et al., Motivation to volunteer by older adults: A test of competing measurement models, PSYCHOL AG, 13(4), 1998, pp. 608-621
Citations number
42
Categorie Soggetti
Psycology
Journal title
PSYCHOLOGY AND AGING
ISSN journal
08827974 → ACNP
Volume
13
Issue
4
Year of publication
1998
Pages
608 - 621
Database
ISI
SICI code
0882-7974(199812)13:4<608:MTVBOA>2.0.ZU;2-N
Abstract
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.