Examining the Factors Affecting the Voluntary Participation and Effects of Volunteering in the Child Welfare in Türkiye*

Abstract

Volunteering is one factors that ensure the development of both individual and social development and social integration. However, participation in volunteering in Türkiye is relatively low, and research on the motivations of volunteers and the effect of volunteering is limited. Although considered one of the factors that will ensure the development of both individual and social development and social integration. Hence, this qualitative inquiry aimed to investigate the factors affecting participation and the effects of voluntary activities in multi-levels in Türkiye’s child welfare field. The study was carried out through in-depth interviews with 25 volunteers. The narratives were analyzed thematically, and two themes were identified including the motivations and effects of volunteering. These themes revealed the significance of understanding the motivations of volunteers at micro-mezzo-macro levels. The key findings suggest that individuals’ personal experiences, family, friends, and the community perspectives can affect their motivation to volunteer. In addition, while volunteering affects the individual biopsychosocial, it also affects societal views. Therefore, future research should be conducted on the importance of volunteering in various social services fields, including family, elderly, disabled, and women, to increase the understanding of volunteering and how it impacts the broader context.