Reed Nina Petersen, Hagen Julia
Department of Mental Health, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway.
Department of Mental health work, NTNU Samfunnsforskning AS (NTNU Social Research), Trondheim, Norway.
Int J Qual Stud Health Well-being. 2025 Dec;20(1):2476215. doi: 10.1080/17482631.2025.2476215. Epub 2025 Mar 7.
Social isolation and loneliness are significant public health challenges that reduce well-being. The voluntary sector is suggested to be an important contributor in reducing loneliness and enhancing social connectedness and well-being in everyday life. This study aimed to contribute knowledge about how volunteers may help promote social connections and well-being, by exploring the experiences and perspectives of volunteers themselves.
We conducted a qualitative study in Norway interviewing nine volunteers. Data was analysed using reflexive Thematic Analysis.
We developed three themes: , and .
Volunteers' may contribute to social connection and well-being, particularly through arranging social activities where relationships are equal and established spontaneously. Some challenges remain before volunteer activities are fully inclusive for all. Extended organizational support of volunteers may be necessary for recruitment and continuity of volunteer efforts towards some marginalized groups.
社会孤立和孤独是重大的公共卫生挑战，会降低幸福感。志愿部门被认为是减少孤独感、增强社会联系以及提升日常生活幸福感的重要贡献者。本研究旨在通过探索志愿者自身的经历和观点，来增进关于志愿者如何帮助促进社会联系和幸福感的知识。
我们在挪威进行了一项定性研究，采访了九名志愿者。使用反思性主题分析法对数据进行了分析。
我们提炼出了三个主题： ，以及 。
志愿者可能有助于社会联系和幸福感，特别是通过安排人际关系平等且自然建立的社交活动。在志愿活动完全包容所有人之前，仍存在一些挑战。对于某些边缘化群体，可能需要扩大对志愿者的组织支持，以招募志愿者并维持志愿工作的持续性。
