Identity and the Theory of Planned Behavior: Predicting Maintenance of Volunteering After Three Years

Is identity an important predictor of social behavior? The present longitudinal study is\r\nfocused on identity in order to understand why people continue to volunteer over an extended period\r\nof time. The theory of planned behavior and the role identity model of volunteering are used as\r\ntheoretical framework. Two hundred thirty Italian volunteers were sampled and followed for 3 years.\r\nWe analyzed functions of role identity as a volunteer. Results showed a significant impact of role\r\nidentity in predicting volunteer performance after 3 years, mediated through behavioral intentions.\r\nRole identity fully mediated the relationships between behavioral intention and attitude, social norms,\r\npast behavior and parental modelling.