Volunteering as a Teen Boosts Happiness and Reduces Stress, Survey Finds

Strategic Insights -

A recent survey by The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards reveals that volunteering as a teenager can have a profound impact on one's happiness and stress levels. The survey, conducted among 1,200 teenagers, found that nine in 10 teens who volunteer feel good about themselves, and that their participation leads to feeling needed, happier and less stressed, and more connected to people. Compared to non-volunteers, volunteers rated themselves 15 points higher in traits such as independence, leadership, dependability, confidence, and optimism.

Key Takeaways:

  • 90% of teens who volunteer feel good about themselves, with 59% saying it makes them feel needed, 59% happier and less stressed, and 54% more connected to people.
  • Volunteers rated themselves 15 points higher than non-volunteers in traits such as independence, leadership, dependability, confidence, and optimism.
  • The number of teens who see volunteering as important has increased from 62% to 76% over the past 20 years.
  • The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards have been given to over 115,000 middle and high school students across the country for their volunteer work.
  • Applications for the 2016 awards must be completed by November 3, 2015, and submitted to a middle or high school principal, Girl Scout council, county 4-H agent, American Red Cross chapter, YMCA, or HandsOn Network affiliate.
  • Local Honorees will receive a Certificate of Achievement, and the President's Volunteer Service Award if they have contributed the minimum number of volunteer hours to qualify.
  • State Honorees will receive $1,000 awards, engraved silver medallions, and an all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C.
  • National Honorees will receive $5,000, gold medallions, crystal trophies for their nominating schools or organizations, and $5,000 grants from The Prudential Foundation.

Statistics:

  • 90% of teens who volunteer feel good about themselves (Prudential Spirit of Community Awards survey)
  • 59% of teens who volunteer feel needed (Prudential Spirit of Community Awards survey)
  • 59% of teens who volunteer feel happier and less stressed (Prudential Spirit of Community Awards survey)
  • 54% of teens who volunteer feel more connected to people (Prudential Spirit of Community Awards survey)
  • 90% of teens who volunteer say it makes them feel good about themselves (Prudential Spirit of Community Awards survey)
  • 115,000 middle and high school students have received the Prudential Spirit of Community Awards over the past 20 years (Prudential Spirit of Community Awards)
  • 76% of teens see volunteering as important, up from 62% 20 years ago (Prudential Spirit of Community Awards survey)

Sources:

  • The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards
  • BusinessWire: "Prudential Spirit of Community Awards Program Kicks Off 21st Year; Invites Young Volunteers to Apply for 2016 Awards" (September 8, 2015)
  • NASSP: National Association of Secondary School Principals
  • Prudential Financial, Inc.: (NYSE: PRU)