The image of the world and the image of the lifestyle of the active volunteerism participants

Aim. To study the characteristics of the perceptual, semantic and nuclear layers that make up the image of the world and the lifestyle of volunteers.
Methodology. A set of methods was used in the study; standardized methods were used to study the nuclear layer: “Life-Meaning Orientations” (D. A. Leontiev’s modification), “Level of Subjective Control” (E. F. Bazhin’s modification), “Value Orientations” (M. Rokich’s modification); the study of the semantic layer was carried out using “Semantic Differentials” by V. P. Serkin; the study of the perceptual layer was carried out through questionnaires. Data collection was carried out in a group of volunteers by filling out methods via Google forms. For qualitative and quantitative data processing, the following were used: the method of semantic universals; statistical methods of data processing – factor and correlation analysis, carried out in the SPSS 20 program. The selected level of significance in the calculations: p≤0.05, p≤0.01. The sample for the study consisted of volunteers from various volunteer organizations and movements, as well as independent volunteers who carried out activities in the Russian Federation in real life conditions, – a total of 197 people. The average age of respondents was 35 years. The average length of service in volunteer activities for the group was 4,6 years.
Results. Based on the results of the study, the features of the perceptual, semantic and nuclear layers which make up the images of world and lifestyle of the study participants who carry out helping activities within the framework of volunteerism were identified and described. The nature and length of service of the activity, its specificity and focus were determined. At the level of the perceptual layer, difficulties in conducting activities and effects from the results of participation in them were identified. At the level of the core layer, motives for participation in activities were determined; a special set in the hierarchy of value orientations, levels of control over various spheres of life and the meaning-of-life orientations of volunteers were identified. The semantic layer is represented by several characteristics that define the image of volunteers, their lifestyle and the type of activity they perform; factor structures and correlation relationships in the description of images are identified. The main concepts of all images are “activity” and “responsibility”.
Research implications. The results of the study complement the theoretical and empirical material of the existing works on the study of volunteerism and the description of the specific characteristics of people involved in it. The data obtained during the study makes it possible to draw conclusions about the nature of the structure development of the images of the world and the way of life in the process of implementing volunteer activities. The results of the study of the empirical part also complement the work on studying the image of the world of various professional groups. In the practical activities of volunteer organizations, movements and communities, the results obtained can be used to recruit people for volunteer activities and for their rapid adaptation to the activity. The obtained data can be used to more accurately guide volunteers in the process of their psychological support, as well as to develop their psychological readiness for activity and lead a volunteer lifestyle, as well as to retain people in this type of activity.

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