The young public servant: exploring the influence of volunteering on self-concept
Date
2014
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Publisher
University of Delaware
Abstract
Civic involvement is a multi-dimensional concept that requires a holistic approach to understand. Research about the benefits and motivation of youth volunteerism has considered the factors which predict volunteering; this study however looks at the outcomes of the volunteer experience. In particular, self-concept is the dependent variable because it is a vital component to personal development in young adults. The National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health Wave III data was analyzed using propensity scores and linear regression. Analysis identified family structure (i.e. living with biological parents), religiosity, parent education, gender, and race as predicting factors of volunteering. Results of the linear regression analysis showed that volunteering is associated with self-concept. Learning about who volunteers and other associations are beneficial to recreating the public servant in today's youth.