The Effects of Support Exchanges on the Psychological Well-Being of Volunteers

Authors

Christy L. Erving, Vanderbilt UniversityFollow
Amy Irby-Shasanimi, University of West Georgia

Abstract

Using a sample of volunteers, we examine whether providing and receiving emotional and instrumental support is associated with self-esteem and mastery. Drawing from social psychological theories of social exchange, we also assess the psychological effects of over-benefiting, under- benefiting, and reciprocal support exchanges. We use data from the Social Support from Peers: Mended Hearts Visitors Study. The sample is comprised of volunteers for Mended Hearts, a national and community-based organization. We find that giving emotional support was associated positively with self-esteem. Reciprocal instrumental support exchanges were associated positively with self-esteem and mastery. This study draws attention to the importance of social support for maintaining the psychological well-being of those who give generously of their time through volunteering.

Recommended Citation

Erving, Christy L. and Irby-Shasanimi, Amy (2018) "The Effects of Support Exchanges on the Psychological Well-Being of Volunteers," The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare: Vol. 45: Iss. 3, Article 3.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.15453/0191-5096.4214
Available at: https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/jssw/vol45/iss3/3