First Advisor
Lauren Frank
Date of Award
Spring 6-5-2025
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Communication and University Honors
Department
Communication
Language
English
Subjects
Integrated model of behavioral prediction, volunteering, volunteer tutoring
Abstract
Nationwide, a significant portion of adults lack basic, functional literacy skills. To combat functional illiteracy in the United States, non-profit organizations who focus on literacy require the services of volunteers. In Portland, Oregon, the Portland Literacy Council (PLC) is responsible for training volunteer tutors to help people learning English as a second language (ESL) and native English speakers who want to improve their literacy skills. The integrated model of behavioral prediction (IMBP) is a communication theory that identifies the core factors that can lead to the intention to perform a behavior. The connection between volunteering in literacy environments and IMBP can be categorized through the analysis of current PLC volunteers. Through this analysis, long-term volunteer intentions can be predicted based on a variety of factors in accordance with IMBP. This qualitative study used semi-structured focus groups to discover the constructs within IMBP most salient to the demographic of older adult volunteers and reveals several factors that could identify why this population are primary candidates for volunteerism. The results of this study revealed that the most salient predictors of volunteer intentions are attitudes, self-efficacy, and exposure to perceived norms, which require the added variables of environmental constraints and skills to reach long-term volunteer retention.
Recommended Citation
Mendre, Sage E., "Analyzing the Intention to Volunteer Through the Integrated Model of Behavioral Prediction" (2025). University Honors Theses. Paper 1752.