Volunteerism

Paper Summary:

This paper explains that studies reveal that volunteering makes a person feel good about themselves, which in turn contributes to their general sense of good health. The author examines the "competing theory" of volunteerism, which states that volunteerism is based on unselfish social interaction with people who need help. The paper concludes that researchers are now comparing the feelings of euphoria many volunteers experience with "runner's high".

From the Paper:

"While there are many different reasons about why people help each other, there are clearly two distinct theories to volunteerism. According to "social exchange theory", volunteers base their input on a "What's in it for me?" marketplace philosophy where value is given for value received. This may explain why it is often easier to get people to sign up for dangerous or demanding work. Their rationale is that, while they are helping out they are being rewarded in some way or other, which may be tangible or intangible, physical or psychological as long as the benefits are perceived to be greater than the costs."

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