SOCL 490: A Typology Linking Rural Community Health and Volunteering Using Mixed Methodology

The objective of this research is to examine the health implications of volunteering at a rural therapeutic riding program. In-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted with volunteers. Then, saliva samples were collected from volunteers. The saliva analysis indicates the distinction between the initial collection, prior to volunteering, compared to the subsequent collection, after participants have completed their volunteering experience. Findings suggest there is a health benefit to volunteering that could have significant implications for rural health initiatives.