A scale development study on the biopsychosocial benefits of voluntary activities in older adults and an investigation of volunteering based on the theory of planned behaviour

Objective: This study aimed to develop a scale to determine the biopsychosocial benefits associated with participation of older adults in volunteer activities; to comparatively assess the behavioural attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioural control, and intentions of individuals who engaged in volunteering versus those who did not within the past year, based on the Theory of Planned Behaviour. Method: The sample consisted of two independent groups selected through purposive sampling from students aged 60 and over enrolled at the Tazelenme University Antalya Campus. Scale development steps were followed to determine biopsychosocial benefits. Behavioural attitudes towards volunteering, subjective norms, and subjective action control were compared between groups. Statistical analyses included exploratory factor analysis, parametric tests (Independent Samples t-test and One-Way ANOVA), and non-parametric tests (Mann–Whitney U and Kruskal–Wallis tests). Results: A scale with 38-item in six-factor was developed to assess the biopsychosocial benefits of volunteering in older adults. These factors are Mental-Developmental Status, Spiritual Satisfaction, Social Integration, Perceived Physical Health, Cognitive Learning, and Self-Perception. Participation in volunteer activities was found to be associated with improvements in these dimensions. However, no significant differences were observed between volunteers and non-volunteers in terms of behavioural attitude, subjective norm, or perceived behavioural control, as outlined in the Theory of Planned Behaviour. Conclusion: "Biopsychosocial Benefits Scale for Volunteering Older Adults" was developed and the benefits of volunteering were identified. Despite their volunteering experience and various achievements, volunteers exhibited comparable behavioural predictors regarding intention to volunteer with non-volunteers. Older adults volunteering represents a promising avenue for enhancing both individual well-being and societal cohesion. Key words: Older volunteering, formal volunteering, scale, biopsychosocial model, Theory of Planned Behaviour.