Abstract
To assess the impact of community service on personal wellbeing in a mid-west church-based population. A prospective survey evaluating: self-reported community service, the perceived benefit of the service and its association to personal wellbeing. 309 participants were included of whom 92 % were employed full or part time, homemakers or students. Those who served in some capacity had better scores on five Wellbeing questions including: contentment, peace, joy, purpose and community acceptance (P < 0.02), but not better self-perceived mental or physical health (P > 0.05). People who served had a better combined Wellbeing score than those who could not serve (P = 0.03). A higher number of hours served/week was associated with better Global Wellbeing (P = 0.02). The greatest perceived benefit of service was related to enhancing wellbeing of others and the service organization itself (P < 0.0001). Church going adults, who are serving in some capacity in their church or community, may demonstrate heightened personal wellbeing compared to those who are not assisting others.
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MacIlvaine, W.R., Nelson, L.A., Stewart, J.A. et al. Association of Strength of Community Service to Personal Wellbeing. Community Ment Health J 50, 577–582 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10597-013-9660-0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10597-013-9660-0