The Impact of Volunteer Motivation (Intrinsic vs. Extrinsic) on Psychological Well-being of NGO Volunteers

Abstract

The present study investigates the impact of intrinsic and extrinsic motivation on the psychological well-being of NGO volunteers, with an additional focus on gender differences. A purposive sample of 80 volunteers from NGOs  in  Ranchi  district  was  selected.  Tools  used included the Volunteer Motivation Inventory (based on Clary et al., 1998) and Ryff’s Psychological Well-being Scale  (1989).  Results  from  the  t-test  revealed  that volunteers with intrinsic motivation scored significantly higher on psychological well-being compared to those with extrinsic motivation (p < 0.01). This finding aligns with Self-Determination Theory (Deci & Ryan, 1985), suggesting that intrinsic motivation—rooted in personal growth  and  altruism—enhances  emotional  health. However, the study found no significant difference in psychological  well-being  between  male  and  female volunteers, indicating that gender may not significantly influence  mental  health  outcomes  in  the  context  of volunteering. These findings underscore the importance for NGOs  to  foster  intrinsic  motivations  through meaningful  engagement,  role  alignment,  and opportunities  for  personal  fulfillment.  The  study contributes to existing literature by addressing a gap in developing  country  contexts  and  highlights  the psychological benefits of value-driven volunteerism in NGO settings.