Formal volunteering as a protector of health in the context of social losses

This study aims to examine the effect of the death of a family member or friend on psychological well-being, specifically the moderating effects of first-time volunteering and social network. With the sample of 354 volunteers from the Experience Corps® (EC) programs, Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA)...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of gerontological social work 2018-11, Vol.61 (8), p.834-848
Main Authors: Jang, Heejung, Tang, Fengyan, Gonzales, Ernest, Lee, Yung Soo, Morrow-Howell, Nancy
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Analysis of covariance
Death & dying
Families & family life
negative affect
Older people
positive affect
Positive emotions
Psychological well being
Relatives
role loss
social contact
social isolation
Social networks
Volunteering
Volunteers
Well being
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Summary:This study aims to examine the effect of the death of a family member or friend on psychological well-being, specifically the moderating effects of first-time volunteering and social network. With the sample of 354 volunteers from the Experience Corps® (EC) programs, Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) estimated the differences in psychological well-being. Among volunteers who had experienced the death of a family member or friend, new volunteers showed significant improvement in positive affect compared to experienced volunteers. EC members gained additional social contacts through volunteering. Formal volunteering has a salutatory effect on older adults' health after the loss of family members.
ISSN:0163-4372
1540-4048
DOI:10.1080/01634372.2018.1476945