The Volunteer Motivation Scale (VMS): Adaptation and Psychometric Properties among a Portuguese Sample of Volunteers

Cátia Martins (), Saul Jesus, José Tomás da Silva, Conceição Ribeiro, Maria Dulce Estêvão, Helena Mocho, Elias Ratinho and Cristina Nunes
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Cátia Martins: Psychology Research Centre (CIP), 1169-023 Lisboa, Portugal
Saul Jesus: Faculty of Human and Social Sciences, University of Algarve, Campus of Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
José Tomás da Silva: Centre for Social Studies, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Coimbra, 3000-995 Coimbra, Portugal
Conceição Ribeiro: Centre of Statistics and its Applications (CEAUL), Faculty of Sciences, University of Lisboa, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal
Maria Dulce Estêvão: School of Health, University of Algarve, Campus of Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
Helena Mocho: Psychology Research Centre (CIP), 1169-023 Lisboa, Portugal
Elias Ratinho: Psychology Research Centre (CIP), 1169-023 Lisboa, Portugal
Cristina Nunes: Psychology Research Centre (CIP), 1169-023 Lisboa, Portugal

Sustainability, 2023, vol. 16, issue 1, 1-14

Abstract: Using self-determination theory, this study examined the autonomous motivation and regulatory styles of volunteers. The Volunteer Motivation Scale (VMS) is one of the main instruments available to assess these constructs, but it requires validation and adaptation for different contexts. Therefore, the goal of this study was to analyze the psychometric properties of the 12-item VMS in a sample of Portuguese volunteers. The sample consisted of 207 volunteers, mostly women (74.4%), aged from 14 to 81 years, from various areas of volunteering. The measures included self-regulation, basic psychological needs, causality orientation, and autonomy support. Confirmatory factor analysis using the lavaan package in R was performed to test a four-factor model and a two-factor model. The results indicated that the four-factor model had a better fit to the data. The VMS showed good internal consistency, discriminant validity, and convergent validity. The VMS can be viewed as a valuable tool for professionals and a promising avenue for future research on the motivations of volunteers.

Keywords: motivation to volunteer; volunteering; self-determination theory; autonomous motivation (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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