Volunteering: The Research

• • Reduced Depression and Anxiety
    Volunteering has been linked to lower rates of depression and anxiety, particularly for older adults. One study found that formal volunteering had a beneficial effect on depressive symptoms.

• • Increased Happiness and Life Satisfaction
    People who volunteer tend to report higher levels of happiness and life satisfaction compared to non-volunteers. Volunteering can also lead to a greater sense of meaning and purpose in life. 

• • Improved Psychological Well-being
    Volunteering is associated with improved self-esteem, feelings of self-worth, and overall psychological well-being. One study found that people with disabilities reported that volunteering empowered them and contributed to their sense of self-worth.

• • Social Connection and Support
    Volunteering provides opportunities for social interaction and connection, which can help combat feelings of isolation and loneliness. These social connections can also provide important support during times of stress or difficulty.

• • Stress Reduction
    Volunteering can help reduce stress levels by providing a healthy outlet for negative emotions and diverting attention away from personal worries.

• • Sense of Purpose and Accomplishment
    Volunteering can provide a sense of purpose and accomplishment by helping individuals contribute to a cause they care about and make a difference in their community. 

• • Development of Skills
    Volunteering can also provide opportunities to develop new skills and gain valuable work experience, which can further boost self-esteem and confidence. 

• • Age-Specific Benefits
    Some studies suggest that the benefits of volunteering on mental health may be particularly pronounced in older adults, with volunteering helping to counteract negative moods like depression and anxiety. Other research indicates that volunteering may be more strongly associated with mental well-being at certain points in the life course, such as after the age of 40. 

• • Children and Teens
    Studies have shown that volunteering in childhood and adolescence can protect against poor mental health. For example, a study by the Australian Institute of Family Studies found that if a child is involved in volunteering before the age of 13, the odds of having poor mental health are reduced