Inference from Volunteer Work and Life Satisfaction Study

A study published in the Journal of Social Psychology reports that individuals who engage in regular volunteer work tend to exhibit higher levels of life satisfaction compared to those who do not. The researchers surveyed 1,000 adults aged 20 to 65, measuring their volunteer hours alongside various indicators of happiness, including life satisfaction scales and subjective well-being surveys. The findings suggest a correlation between volunteer work and an increase in the respondents' overall happiness. However, the researchers caution that this correlation does not imply causation, as other factors, such as social support, economic stability, and personal values, may also play significant roles in influencing happiness.

Furthermore, the study explored potential demographic variations, noting that younger adults reported more significant boosts in life satisfaction from volunteer activities than older adults. The authors proposed that the motivations for volunteering—such as personal growth and social connections—might differ across age groups, potentially impacting the relationship with overall happiness.