Intention patterns predicting college students' volunteer service participation

Area of Science:

• Social Sciences
• Psychology
• Civic Engagement Studies

Background:

• University education aims to foster civic engagement through volunteer service activities.
• Enhancing student willingness and participation requires scientific methods and clear educational laws.
• The Theory of Planned Behaviour provides a framework for understanding volunteer service behaviour.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the factors influencing college students' volunteer service behaviour.
• To examine the role of cognition in shaping attitudes, norms, and perceived control related to volunteering.
• To provide evidence-based recommendations for universities to promote student volunteerism.

Main Methods:

• Literature review and collation to establish a theoretical framework.
• Development and administration of a questionnaire based on the Theory of Planned Behaviour, including a 'cognition' dimension.
• Correlation analysis of survey data from Chinese college students.

Main Results:

• Cognition of volunteerism's benefits positively predicted attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioural control.
• Attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioural control positively influenced volunteer service behaviour intention.
• Volunteer service behaviour intention was a significant predictor of actual volunteer service behaviour.
• Cognition did not directly predict volunteer service behaviour, but influenced it indirectly through other factors.

Conclusions:

• Strengthening students' understanding of volunteerism's value is crucial for enhancing their engagement.
• Universities should focus on guiding attitudes, creating a supportive atmosphere, and improving volunteer mechanisms.
• Practical education and innovative projects are essential for fostering sustained volunteer service participation.
• The study clarifies the impact mechanism of cognition on volunteer service behaviour, aiding university strategy development.