The purpose of this study was to investigate the association of volunteering with the personal well-being among adults with spinal cord injury (SCI). Four hundred forty-seven unemployed adults with SCI completed the Life Situation Questionnaire-Revised. Of these participants, 88 were performing volunteer activities (19.7%) and 359 were not performing volunteer activities (80.3%). Results indicated that individuals who participated in volunteer activities reported higher levels of overall quality of life, current adjustment, and general health with fewer depressive symptoms and hospitalizations than those who did not volunteer. The primary implication of this study for health care professionals who work with adults with SCI is that participation in volunteer activities is an important rehabilitation goal that is associated with favorable outcomes, even in the absence of gainful employment.

benefits, community integration, disabilities, volunteering
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