Racial Differences in Volunteering, Discrimination, and Life Satisfaction
Author Information
Author(s): Shen Huei-Wern, Wang Yi
Primary Institution: University of North Texas, University of Iowa
Hypothesis
The study investigates the role of volunteering in mediating the relationship between discrimination and life satisfaction across different racial groups.
Conclusion
Volunteering does not mediate the relationship between discrimination and life satisfaction for non-Hispanic Whites, but it partially mitigates the negative impact of discrimination on life satisfaction for Hispanic older adults.
Supporting Evidence
- Discrimination is linked to lower life satisfaction across racial groups.
- Volunteering has health benefits but does not mediate the relationship between discrimination and life satisfaction for all groups.
- Non-Hispanic Whites who experienced discrimination reported lower life satisfaction.
- Older volunteers had higher life satisfaction, but volunteering did not mediate the relationship for non-Hispanic Whites.
- For non-Hispanic Black older adults, neither discrimination nor volunteering affected life satisfaction.
- Among Hispanics, discrimination was related to lower life satisfaction, and volunteering partially mitigated this effect.
Takeaway
The study found that discrimination can make people feel less happy, but volunteering can help some groups feel better, especially Hispanic older adults.
Methodology
The study used stratified multivariate linear regression models to analyze data from the 2016 Health and Retirement Study.
Limitations
The study may not fully capture the complexities of how discrimination and volunteering affect life satisfaction across all racial groups.
Participant Demographics
Participants included non-Hispanic Whites, non-Hispanic Blacks, and Hispanics aged 65-98.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website