Volunteer work in the church among older Mexican Americans

Cultur Divers Ethnic Minor Psychol. 2012 Jul;18(3):277-84. doi: 10.1037/a0028639. Epub 2012 Jun 11.

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to identify the factors that influence the amount of volunteer work that older Mexican Americans perform in the place where they worship. The relationship between religion and volunteering is viewed from a social identity perspective. Data from a nationally representative sample of older Mexican Americans suggest that Evangelical/Pentecostal church members spend more time performing volunteer work at church than older Mexican Americans who affiliate with other denominations. Moreover, the findings indicate that the difference in the amount of volunteering between the two groups can largely be explained by differences in the nature of the spiritual support that Evangelical/Pentecostal receive from their fellow church members as well as depth of their commitment to their faith.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Interpersonal Relations
  • Male
  • Mexican Americans / psychology*
  • Religion and Psychology*
  • Social Identification*
  • Social Support
  • Volunteers / psychology*