An Exploratory Analysis of Long-Term Effects of Role-Model Volunteering on Young Adults

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.20899/jpna.fq4ewv94

Keywords:

Intergenerational, volunteer, role-model, parent, adolescent

Abstract

This study explores the long-term effect of parental role-modeling of volunteer behaviors as children age into adulthood. Although previous research indicates a relationship between concurrent parental and child volunteering, there is very little work that explores the long-term effect of parental volunteering (during a child’s adolescent years) on their adult children. We merged several modules of the Panel Study of Income Dynamics that allowed for significant granularity to explore this question. We found evidence that parental role-modeling during an individual’s adolescent years is associated with higher rates of young adult volunteering. Our findings are intended to provide practical insight to nonprofit organizations on how to strengthen and maintain volunteer rosters.

Author Biographies

  • Sharon A. Kukla-Acevedo, Central Michigan University

    Dr. Kukla-Acevedo is a Professor of Public Administration at Central Michigan University. She researches the effects of social welfare and educational policies on children and young adults.

  • Emma A. Powell, Central Michigan University

    Dr. Powell is a Professor of Nonprofit Management at Central Michigan University.  Her research focuses on nonprofit governance and organization policy development

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Published

2025-02-11

Issue

Vol. 10 No. 3 (2024)

Section

Research Articles

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