Volunteering among social work students
An approach based on an study of two Spanish public universities
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.30827/tsg.v16.34445Keywords:
Social Work, student, university, motivation, satisfaction, volunteeringAbstract
Introduction: Volunteering within Social Work degree programmes constitutes an important strategy for promoting student participation and raising awareness. The scientific literature has consistently demonstrated the positive effects it has on university students and voluntary organisations alike. Various studies have shown that engagement in volunteering enhances the integration of academic content and values, while simultaneously increasing students’ employability. However, there is a lack of specific data on volunteering among Social Work students, despite this being one of the degree programmes most closely associated with such activity. The aim of this study is to provide robust data on volunteering among Social Work students by analysing its characteristics, motivations, and the level of satisfaction derived from this practice.
Methods: The research adopts a quantitative approach based on a non-experimental design. A face-to-face survey was conducted with Social Work students (N = 1,034) from the Complutense University of Madrid and the University of Valencia, with sampling quotas adjusted to ensure representativeness.
Results: The prevalence of volunteering among Social Work students in Spain was 23.2%. A statistically significant relationship was found between students’ year of study and their participation in volunteering activities. Most students chose to volunteer within organisations in the social action sector, dedicating between two and four hours per week. The primary motivations for volunteering were related to learning and personal values, as well as those associated with personal well-being. Possible correlations between levels of satisfaction with volunteering and the different motivational factors reported were examined. The results revealed a significant positive correlation between higher levels of satisfaction and motivations linked to the emotional well-being of volunteers. Conversely, negative correlations were observed in cases where satisfaction was associated with academic factors. The average evaluation of volunteering among participants was very high (8.9 out of 10), and virtually all respondents considered it to have positive effects on their education and future professional development. Nevertheless, the findings also reflect a critical perspective regarding student participation and the availability of information to encourage volunteering.
Discussion: The prevalence of volunteering among Social Work students is above the national average in Spain, yet below that observed in comparable countries. This may be attributed to the stronger connection between this field of study and volunteering, particularly in relation to an interest in working with people. The findings concerning the relationship between motivations and overall satisfaction differ from previous studies, which have tended to focus primarily on academic and career-related motivations, paying limited attention to those associated with subjective and emotional well-being.
Conclusions: The findings provide a more detailed understanding of the situation and characteristics of university volunteering in Spain. They offer relevant information for social organisations and higher education institutions in designing awareness campaigns and volunteering opportunities, thereby enabling them to attract and retain student volunteers.
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