The relationship between gender, volunteering and frequency of volunteering on body image and body esteem
Can't see any media?
The document(s) for this resource are unavailable or have restricted access. You can log in if you have a user account.
- Title
- The relationship between gender, volunteering and frequency of volunteering on body image and body esteem
- Creator
- Kate Mccormack
- Abstract
- Volunteering provides an assortment of benefits, one being higher levels of self-esteem, an influential factor both in physical and mental health. A number of studies have highlighted the relationship between young adult volunteerism and increased self-esteem. Body esteem is a multifaceted concept and is established as an important aspect of self-esteem. A link exists between negative body image and low self-esteem, especially in females. The physical manifestation of self-esteem in relation to volunteer work has not been explored in the literature. This study seeks to explore whether the benefits of volunteering extend into the realm of physical self-esteem and whether gender plays a role. Two hundred and fifteen participants (53% male, 47% female) took part in the study. A quasi - experimental research design was used. Participants answered questions about volunteering and completed both the Body Shape Questionnaire (BSQ-34) and the Body Esteem Scale (BES). Males reported higher levels of body image and esteem. Inclusive of, and independently of gender, levels of body esteem between volunteers and non-volunteers were not significantly different. There was no correlation between frequency of volunteering and levels of body image and esteem. The current study adds to the literature regarding male's higher levels of self-esteem and body esteem. Volunteering behaviour was not a predictor of higher levels of body esteem in either gender. Motivation to volunteer appears to be an important factor in the attainment of benefits resulting from volunteering. Young adult volunteers should be intrinsically motivated to volunteer in areas that match their personal motivations. Volunteering should be implemented in young adulthood in order for it to become a lasting and stable part of one's identity.
- Subject
- Self esteem
- Body esteem
- Body image
- Extent
- 108 pages
- Format
- Publisher
- Regent's University of London
- degree
- MSc Psychology
- Language
- English
- Date Issued
- 2016
- Type
- Thesis & Dissertation
- Rights Holder
- Kate Mccormack and Regent's University of London
- Item sets
- Theses or Dissertation