Schreier et al., 2013: Volunteering at public elementary schools increased physiological health, especially among high-empathetic and low-negative-mood high school students
Reference:
Schreier, H. M., Schonert-Reichl, K. A., & Chen, E. (2013). Effect of volunteering on risk factors for cardiovascular disease in adolescents: A randomized controlled trial. JAMA pediatrics, 167(4), 327-332.
Download PDFSummary:
High school students were randomized to volunteer at a public elementary school (1-1.5 hours/week) in the fall semester (treatment) or in the spring semester (control). At the end of the term, as compared to a baseline assessment, students in the treatment condition showed lower cholesterol levels and lower body mass index as well as lower interleukin 6 levels and marginally lower C-reactive protein levels (inflammatory markers). The greatest benefits were found among students who increased the most in empathy and altruistic behaviors and who decreased the most in negative mood.
Psychological Process:
Need
Need to BelongWhat Desired Meaning is At Stake?
What is the Person Trying to Understand?
To Feel Connected, Included, Respected, and Valued by OthersHow?
Psychological Question Addressed
Am I connected to others?Am I connected to others?Bolstering beliefs about social connectednessPsychological Question Addressed
Am I connected to others?Psychological Process 2:
Psychological Process 3:
Heading
Am I connected to others?Social Area:
Health; Well-being
Intervention Technique:
Prompting by altering situations