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

Author

Listed:
  • Cátia Martins

    (Psychology Research Centre (CIP), 1169-023 Lisboa, Portugal
    Faculty of Human and Social Sciences, University of Algarve, Campus of Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal)

  • Saul Jesus

    (Faculty of Human and Social Sciences, University of Algarve, Campus of Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
    Research Centre for Tourism, Sustainability and Well-Being (CinTurs), 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
    Institute of Engineering, University of Algarve, Campus da Penha, 8005-139 Faro, 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
    Faculty of Human and Social Sciences, University of Algarve, Campus of Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal)

  • Elias Ratinho

    (Psychology Research Centre (CIP), 1169-023 Lisboa, Portugal
    Faculty of Human and Social Sciences, University of Algarve, Campus of Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal)

  • Cristina Nunes

    (Psychology Research Centre (CIP), 1169-023 Lisboa, Portugal
    Faculty of Human and Social Sciences, University of Algarve, Campus of Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal)

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Cátia Martins & Saul Jesus & José Tomás da Silva & Conceição Ribeiro & Maria Dulce Estêvão & Helena Mocho & Elias Ratinho & Cristina Nunes, 2023. "The Volunteer Motivation Scale (VMS): Adaptation and Psychometric Properties among a Portuguese Sample of Volunteers," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(1), pages 1-14, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:16:y:2023:i:1:p:327-:d:1310213
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Steven Bauer & Dongkuk Lim, 2019. "Effect of Communication Practices on Volunteer Organization Identification and Retention," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(9), pages 1-17, April.
    2. Rosseel, Yves, 2012. "lavaan: An R Package for Structural Equation Modeling," Journal of Statistical Software, Foundation for Open Access Statistics, vol. 48(i02).
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