Motivations for volunteering described by functional theory are loosely related to the types and duration of these activities. The motivating effects of individuals’ social- and role-based identities may need inclusion. Identity theories suggest that entering a specific service activity depends on whether the service benefits a social group with which a person identifies, while persisting in the work depends on rewards and legitimation gained from the role-identity of “volunteer.” Former cardiac patients’ motivations for engaging in peer-support volunteering were explored (n = 84). Respondents’ primary motive for starting this work was to reduce current patients’ anxieties, suggesting identification with cardiac patients in general. Respondents viewed their “volunteer” role-identity as deeply rewarding, promoting long-term involvement. Identification with the sponsoring organization (Mended Hearts) supplied additional benefits, supporting continued involvement. Social- and role-identities help to explain the start and persistence of this type of volunteer work and likely influence other volunteer activities.

功能理论所描述的志愿动机与这些活动的类型和持续时间大致相关。个人的基于社会和角色的身份的激励作用可能需要包括在内。身份理论认为，进入一项特定的服务活动取决于该服务是否使一个人认同的社会群体受益，而坚持工作则取决于从“志愿者”的角色身份中获得的奖励和合法性。探索了前心脏病患者参与同伴支持志愿服务的动机（n= 84）。受访者开始这项工作的主要动机是减少当前患者的焦虑感，这表明与一般心脏疾病的患者相鉴别。受访者认为他们的“志愿者”角色认同感很有意义，可以促进长期参与。与赞助组织（Medited Hearts）的身份识别提供了额外的好处，支持继续参与。社会和角色身份有助于解释此类志愿者工作的开始和持久性，并可能影响其他志愿者活动。