A Comparative Study of Psychological Well-being based on Duration and Frequency of Voluntary Activities

Abstract

Psychological well-being is defined as positive self-perception, good relationship with people, environmental dominance, autonomy, the meaning of life and emotions in the direction of healthy development (Ryff, 1995). There are various components of psychological well-being like self-acceptance, positive relationships, autonomy and there are various factors which can affect the level of one’s psychological well-being. Past researches have shown that engaging in any kind of prosocial behaviour or volunteering for some social cause has positive effects like elevation of mood, increase in confidence, developing positive relations. The present study aimed at comparing the psychological wellbeing of participants based on their duration and frequency of prosocial activities. The sample size was 122 college students engaged in some kind of prosocial behaviour out of which 40 were males and 82 were females. The data was collected using non-probabilistic purposive sampling method and the research design used was 2 x 2 factorial design.  To measure psychological well-being the Ryff’s Scale of Psychological Well-being (42 item) was used along with a personal data sheet which included details about duration and frequency of voluntary behaviour. The data was statistically analysed using SPSS 20. The results of ANOVA show there is no significant effect of duration as well as frequency on the PWB of college students. Thus, it is concluded that duration of less than 6 months or more than 6 months as well as frequency of 15 days or less is not sufficient enough to have any significant effect on PWB.