Motivations for Volunteering and Its Associations with Time Perspectives and Life Satisfaction: A Latent Profile Approach

Abstract

This study aims to examine motivation for volunteering and its association with time perspective and life satisfaction among volunteers ( N = 221). Latent profile analysis was used to profile individuals based on their time perspectives and then to compare group differences in life satisfaction and volunteering motivation. Three profiles were identified. Profile 1 ( n = 32; 14.5%) was a “balanced time perspective group,” Profile 2 ( n = 102; 46.2%) was a “maladaptive group,” and Profile 3 ( n = 87; 39.3%) was a “nonchalant group.” Profile 1 showed the highest life satisfaction compared to the two remaining groups. Significant group differences in volunteering motivation between this group and the other two were also reported. These findings suggest that time perspective may be appropriate for understanding motivation for voluntarism and life satisfaction.