More Than Service: Exploring the Psychological Benefits of Volunteering in 4-H Youth Development Programs

Few large-scale studies have examined the psychological benefits volunteers perceive from their service, particularly in youth development programs. Guided by the functional approach to volunteerism, this study examined the psychological benefits 4-H volunteers derive from their service. A qualitative content analysis was conducted on open-ended responses (N = 803) from a regional survey in the Midwestern United States. Using thematic coding and frequency counts, five core themes emerged from the analysis. In order of frequency, volunteers benefited through: (1) fulfillment through witnessing youth development and pride in service, (2) actively facilitating youth growth and agency, (3) strengthening the 4-H organization, (4) building skills, confidence, and leadership, and (5) expanding social capital. The findings offer insight into the emotional, cognitive, and developmental dimensions of volunteer engagement. Centering volunteer perspectives, the study advances understanding of what sustains volunteer involvement, particularly in the post-pandemic community youth development context.