Applying the volunteer process model to predict future intentions for civic and political participation: same antecedents, different experiences?

They are Doing Well, but is it by Doing Good? Pathways from Nonpolitical and Political Volunteering to Subjective Well-Being in Age Comparison

“…However, the negative effects of political volunteering may also be specific to Germany. For instance, prior research found that adults from the former East Germany perceived political participation much less favorably than nonpolitical participation (Pavlova et al, 2021). Such widespread distrust toward political participation may alienate political volunteers from others.…”

“…In longitudinal adult samples from the Netherlands (Pirralha, 2017) and Germany (Pirralha, 2018), political participation did not predict SWB. In a cross-sectional sample of German adults (Pavlova et al, 2021), participants reported lower quality of experience for political than for nonpolitical participation, including lower enjoyment, lower perceived effectiveness, and less positive social interactions. In life story interviews, older members of political organizations in Spain reported experiencing political defeats, conflicts with other members, feelings of loneliness, and detachment from their social network as negative experiences of political participation (Serrat et al, 2021).…”

“…In contrast to political organizations, nonpolitical organizations emphasize harmony, consensus, and appreciation, and the results of direct helping may be more tangible than those of political volunteering (Theiss-Morse & Hibbing, 2005). Hence, it is no wonder that political volunteering, which may entail less positive (social) experiences and more frustrated goals, is less attractive than nonpolitical volunteering (Eliasoph, 2013;Pavlova et al, 2021).…”

Civic engagement across adolescence and early adulthood.

“…Relationships with adults that are rooted in mutual respect and trust are considered fundamental for youth civic development from various theoretical perspectives (e.g., Lerner et al, 2014;Putnam, 2000). Despite variability in terminology and measurement, research has shown that when youth feel respected, valued, heard, and trusted by parents or teachers, they tend to engage in helping behavior, hold social responsibility values and social trust, vote, and feel less politically alienated (e.g., Pavlova et al, 2021;Wray-Lake & Sloper, 2016). This area of research would benefit from a systematic review or meta-analysis, given the wealth of research and the need to clarify findings across measures and designs (Campbell, 2019).…”

Nonpolitical Versus Political Participation: Longitudinal Associations with Mental Health and Social Well-Being in Different Age Groups

“…Political scientists (Theiss-Morse & Hibbing, 2005;Verba et al, 1995) differentiated between nonpolitical participation (i.e., in organizations that aim to help others directly) and political participation (i.e., in organizations that strive to change social or political conditions). As attempts to exert political influence involve intergroup conflicts and unachieved goals and are sometimes regarded as morally reprehensible and selfish (Pavlova et al, 2021), political participation may not be as beneficial to engaged individuals as nonpolitical participation is. In support of this assumption, several studies found stronger mental health and social well-being benefits for participation in religious or human service organizations than in environmental organizations, political parties, or political movement groups (Albanesi et al, 2007;Croezen et al, 2015;Vinson & Ericson, 2014;Yeung et al, 2018; but see Mazhari, 2015;Talò et al, 2014).…”