Volunteer experience of psychology students: contribution to personal growth, development, and academic satisfaction

Abstract

This study investigates the experiences of volunteer psychology students working with at-risk children and examines the relationship between these experiences and the volunteers’ subjective sense of personal growth and development. Several elements such as motivational factors influencing the decision to start and continue volunteering, reasons for discontinuing volunteering, positive and negative experiences during volunteering, and satisfaction with studies before and after volunteering were measured to identify the factors important for the quality of the volunteer experience. The sample consisted of 30 psychology students from the Faculty of Philosophy, University of Banja Luka, who volunteer or have volunteered at the Public Institution Home for Children and Youth without Parental Care “Rada Vranješević” and at the NGO Nova Generacija. Data collection was conducted through focus groups and written reflections completed by the volunteers at the end of their volunteer period. The data was analyzed through thematic analysis. The findings reveal that satisfaction with the organization of volunteer work influences all examined themes and largely determines how volunteers perceive the various factors and their interrelationships. These results offer valuable insights into the steps needed to improve the organization of volunteer work with at risk children, as well as to enhance volunteer satisfaction, engagement, and overall study satisfaction. The study highlights the strong connections between volunteerism, professional orientation, study satisfaction, and personal development. It suggests that minor organizational improvements and increased recognition of volunteer efforts at the university level could significantly enhance student satisfaction and perceived competence.